loosing: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1/C2Formal, Literary, Technical
Quick answer
What does “loosing” mean?
The act of making something less tight, secure, or restrained.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The act of making something less tight, secure, or restrained; releasing, unfastening, or setting free.
Can also refer to causing something (e.g., an arrow, a comment, a force) to be released or projected; allowing something to become less controlled or precise.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant semantic difference. The base verb 'loose' is more common in UK English in certain contexts (e.g., 'loose a volley'), but the participle 'loosing' is rare and equally formal in both varieties.
Connotations
Often carries a slightly archaic, deliberate, or powerful connotation. Associated with archery ('loosing an arrow'), military action ('loosing artillery'), or releasing abstract forces ('loosing chaos').
Frequency
Very low frequency in everyday speech. Primarily found in formal writing, historical contexts, literature, and specific technical fields (archery, construction, geology).
Grammar
How to Use “loosing” in a Sentence
Subject + is/are + loosing + Object (e.g., They are loosing the cables.)Subject + be + loosing + Object + Prepositional Phrase (e.g., He was loosing the dogs on the intruders.)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “loosing” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The archer is loosing arrows at an impressive rate.
- They are loosing the mooring ropes as we speak.
American English
- The hunter was loosing his grip on the rifle.
- The report ended up loosing a flood of complaints.
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- N/A (Not standard; 'loosening' would be used.)
American English
- N/A (Not standard; 'loosening' would be used.)
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Possibly in contexts like 'loosing constraints on the market'.
Academic
Found in historical, literary, or technical texts (e.g., 'loosing seismic energy', 'the process of loosing soil particles').
Everyday
Extremely rare. Commonly mistaken for 'losing'.
Technical
Used in archery, construction ('loosing a load'), geology, and mechanics.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “loosing”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “loosing”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “loosing”
- Misspelling as 'losing' (the most frequent error).
- Using 'loosing' when 'losing' is meant (e.g., 'I am loosing my keys' is incorrect).
- Pronouncing it as /ˈluːzɪŋ/ instead of /ˈluːsɪŋ/.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it is the present participle of the verb 'to loose', meaning to release or set free. However, it is much less common than 'losing'.
'Loosing' (from 'loose', /luːs/) means releasing. 'Losing' (from 'lose', /luːz/) means being deprived of something or failing to win. They are different verbs with different pronunciations and meanings.
Use it in formal, literary, or technical contexts where the specific meaning of 'releasing' or 'setting free' is needed, especially if it involves a deliberate, often powerful, action (e.g., loosing an arrow, loashing a torrent of criticism). In everyday speech, 'releasing' or 'letting go' is more common.
No. 'Loosening' is the process of making something less tight (e.g., loosening a screw). 'Loosing' is the single act of completely releasing or setting something free (e.g., loosing a knot, loosing a prisoner). 'Loosing' is a more final action.
The act of making something less tight, secure, or restrained.
Loosing is usually formal, literary, technical in register.
Loosing: in British English it is pronounced /ˈluːsɪŋ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈluːsɪŋ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Loosing the dogs of war”
- “Loosing one's tongue”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Remember: 'LOOSE' rhymes with 'GOOSE'. When you LOOSE a goose, you set it free. 'LOOSING' is the act of setting it free. It has two 'O's like the two eyes of an arrow you're about to LOOSE.
Conceptual Metaphor
RELEASE IS FREEDOM / CONTROL IS A BOND (Loosing is the act of breaking the bond to grant freedom or initiate action.)
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence uses 'loosing' correctly?