lose-lose

adjective

ˈlüz-ˈlüz How to pronounce lose-lose (audio)
: presenting two options both of which put one at a disadvantage
a lose-lose proposition

Examples of lose-lose in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
There’s a lot of lose-lose going on, and Xbox has lost more than most. — Paul Tassi, Forbes.com, 16 June 2026 This is why, again, this is absolutely lose-lose. — Isaac Chotiner, New Yorker, 27 Apr. 2026 The common ground is their underdog paths that have converged to create a lose-lose scenario for the house. — Doug Kezirian, New York Times, 3 June 2026 That was a lose-lose AI diplomacy strategy. — Tanvi Ratna, FOXNews.com, 23 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for lose-lose

Word History

First Known Use

1965, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of lose-lose was in 1965

Rhymes for lose-lose

See All Rhymes for lose-lose

Browse Nearby Words

losel
lose-lose
loselry
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Lose-lose.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lose-lose. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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