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Phrase Meanings » lose out
What does "lose out" mean?
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Fail to succeed, be defeated, as in The election's over, and you've lost out. [Mid-1800s]
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Also, lose out on or in. Miss an opportunity to participate, as in We came so late that we lost out on our chance to see her dance, or The Republicans lost out in last fall's elections. [Colloquial; mid-1900s] Also see miss out on.