Definition

Not winning; failing to achieve victory in a competition or contest.

Example

The losing team was disappointed after the match.

Conversation

Did you see the game last night?

Yeah, it was tough to watch, especially since they are a losing team this season.

I know, right? It's hard to believe they were champions just a few years ago.

Exactly! It feels like they are really having a losing streak lately.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Definition

The state or condition of not winning or being defeated in a game, competition, or situation.

Example

The losing of the match was disappointing for the team.

Conversation

I can't believe how much losing I've done at the casino lately.

Yeah, that can be really frustrating.

It's not just the money; it's the feeling of losing that gets to me.

Root Explanation

Losing → The word 'losing' is derived from 'lose' (from Old English 'losian', meaning to be lost or to perish) and the suffix '-ing' (indicating the action or process of). Thus, 'losing' refers to the process of becoming lost or the act of losing something.

Memory Tip

Think of the Old English word 'losian' which means to be lost — this helps you remember that 'losing' is the action of becoming lost.

Visually Confused Words