lose-lose

Meanings

1. 1adjectivebefore a noun

   Describing a situation where every possible choice or result is bad for both sides involved.

   Grammar: Used before a noun, as in 'a lose-lose situation'; it is not used after a verb in this form.

   Patterns

   • a lose-lose situation
   • a lose-lose proposition
   • be lose-lose for someone

   If we cut prices and they cut prices too, it's a lose-lose situation for both companies.

   For the workers, the new schedule is lose-lose: longer hours and less pay.

   She called the deal lose-lose and refused to sign.

2. 2nouncountable

   A situation or outcome in which everyone involved ends up worse off.

   Grammar: Countable; often used with 'a', as in 'It's a lose-lose'.

   Patterns

   • be a lose-lose
   • end in a lose-lose

   Going to court would be a lose-lose for the whole family.

   The negotiations turned into a lose-lose for both sides.

Common combinations

a lose-lose situation

The deadline created a lose-lose situation for the team.

a lose-lose proposition

For a small business, that tax rule is a lose-lose proposition.

be lose-lose for someone

The new policy is lose-lose for students and teachers alike.

turn into a lose-lose

A price war can quickly turn into a lose-lose.

Synonyms and how they differ

no-win

Very close in meaning and common before 'situation', but it focuses on the fact that nobody can win rather than on both sides losing.

damaging

Describes harm to one side only; 'lose-lose' always implies that both sides suffer.

Opposites

Commonly confused: lose-lose or win-win?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “lose-lose”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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