What is the difference between lose and loose?

'Lose' (one 'o') is a verb meaning to misplace something or fail to win (Don't lose your ticket. Our team might lose). 'Loose' (two o's) is an adjective meaning not tight or not firmly attached (The screw is loose. Wear loose clothing). Remember: lose rhymes with 'whose' and 'choose'.

How do I remember lose vs. loose?

Lose has one 'o' and is a verb. Loose has two o's — picture them as two 'o's that have come loose from their positions. Another tip: 'loose' rhymes with 'goose', a thing that is free and untethered.

Lose vs. Loose: What's the Difference?

Quick Answer

lose (1 "o") = verb — to misplace something or fail to win

loose (2 "o"s) = adjective — not tight, not firmly attached

Explanation

LOSE (verb) — one "o"

To be unable to find / to fail to win

lose → lost → lost

"Don't lose your keys."

"We might lose the game."

"I always lose track of time."

LOOSE (adjective) — two "o"s

Not tight, not firmly attached, free

opposite: tight, fixed, secure

"This screw is loose."

"Wear loose clothing to the gym."

"The dog got loose from its leash."

Memory trick: "loose" has a double-o that has come loose — two o's floating free. "lose" rhymes with "whose" and "choose" — single-o verb.

Examples

✔Be careful not to lose your passport. (verb)

✔My jeans are too loose now that I've lost weight. (adjective)

✔Did you lose the match? (verb)

✔There is a loose wire in the socket. (adjective)

✘Don't loose your temper.

✘The knot is to lose.

Common Mistakes

Incorrect: I always loose my phone.

Correct: I always lose my phone. ("lose" = verb, to misplace)

Incorrect: The button on my shirt is lose.

Correct: The button on my shirt is loose. ("loose" = adjective, not tight)

Practice

Choose the correct word:

"If you don't tighten that _____ screw, you'll _____ the whole shelf."