What are the definitions of “lose out to”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Be less successful.
People without IT skills often LOSE OUT TO those with the skills.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “lose out to”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb lose out to is to be less successful than someone or something else, especially in a competition or comparison. It implies that one person or thing has an advantage over another.
What are the different verb forms of “lose out to”?
| Root Verb | lose out to |
| Third Person Singular Present | loses out to |
| Present Participle | losing out to |
| Simple Past | lost out to |
| Past Participle | lost out to |
Example
The local team lost out to the visiting team in the final match.
Example
She often loses out to her classmates in academic competitions.
Example
The small business is losing out to larger corporations in the market.
Example
He lost out to his rival in the election.
Example
The company lost out to its competitors in the bidding process.
What kind of phrasal verb is “lose out to”?
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a transitive and intransitive verb? - A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.) - An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)
Transitive verb
“lose out to” is a transitive phrasal verb because it requires a direct object to complete its meaning. The direct object specifies what is being removed, obtained, or eliminated.
Example
The team lost out to their opponents in the championship game.
Example
She lost out to her coworker for the promotion.
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb? - A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle. - An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.
Inseparable
“lose out to” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.
Example
The team lost out to their opponents in the championship game.
Example
She lost out to her coworker for the promotion.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “lose out to”?
Lose out on something
Miss an opportunity or fail to take advantage of a situation.
Example
He lost out on a great job offer because he didn't apply in time.
Lose out in something
Be at a disadvantage or suffer a loss in a particular situation.
Example
Small businesses often lose out in price wars with larger competitors.
Good things to know
Does “lose out to” have an informal or formal tone?
Lose out to is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is appropriate for everyday conversations, as well as more formal settings, such as business discussions or academic writing.
What are synonyms of antonyms to the phrasal verb “lose out to”?
Synonyms
- be defeated by
- be outperformed by
- be surpassed by
- fall behind
- be disadvantaged compared to
Antonyms
- defeat
- outperform
- surpass
- prevail over
- triumph over
