losing

1 of 2

adjective

los·​ing ˈlü-ziŋ How to pronounce losing (audio)
Synonyms of losingnext
1
: resulting in or likely to result in defeat
a losing battle
a losing poker hand
2
: marked by many losses or more losses than wins
a losing streak
a losing record

losing

2 of 2

present participle of lose

Examples of losing in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Adjective
Monken is likely on track for a 10th non-losing season in 11 years, including an American Conference championship in 2024, and the Black Knights have won at least nine games five times since 2017. — Chris Vannini, New York Times, 27 Oct. 2026 The Angels have had 11 consecutive losing seasons and 12 straight non-playoff seasons, both the longest active skids in the major leagues. — Los Angeles Times, 21 Oct. 2026 Semiconductors — The VanEck Semiconductor ETF (SMH) climbed nearly 3%, fresh off nine consecutive losing days, as traders flocked back to the tech space and took a risk-on posture. — Deena Zaidi,darla Mercado, Cfp®, CNBC, 19 Oct. 2026 This drought doesn’t have the losing seasons, as far as the records are concerned, and miserable teams. — Sean Joseph Outkick, FOXNews.com, 18 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for losing

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1519, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of losing was in 1519

Phrases Containing losing

Rhymes for losing

See All Rhymes for losing

Browse Nearby Words

losh
losing
losing hazard
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Losing.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/losing. Accessed 1 Nov. 2026.

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Kids Definition

losing

adjective
1
: resulting in or likely to result in defeat
a losing battle
2
: marked by many losses or more losses than wins
a losing record

More from Merriam-Webster on losing

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