lose on purpose

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lose on purpose" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to intentionally failing or allowing oneself to be defeated in a game, competition, or situation. Example: "He decided to lose on purpose to let his friend win the match."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

And besides, no grizzled veteran is going to go out and lose on purpose just so some hotshot kid can come in next year and take his job.

The Guardian - Sport

Still, days after four women's doubles teams in badminton were expelled for trying to lose on purpose to face weaker opponents in a subsequent round, the London Games again faced an ethical question: should an athlete always have to give his best, even when maximum effort might work against his best interests?

The New York Times - Sports

Ronnie O'Sullivan's 3-1 win over Jimmy White to reach the last 16 of the World Open in Glasgow exposed the falsity and perhaps malice of a rumour of uncertain origin, circulated by email, that O'Sullivan would lose on purpose because he owed White a favour.

The Guardian - Sport

Only 19 of them succeeded, meaning 73% of them tried to lose on purpose but couldn't.

Forbes

Mauboussin has a clever test of whether an activity involves skill: Ask if you can lose on purpose.

Forbes

But I wasn't going to lose on purpose.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

"A top-five pick is always a good thing," Kupchak said, adding that the Lakers weren't losing on purpose.

Los Angeles Times

Ron later reveals he knows Tom loses on purpose, but doesn't mind because Tom is his idea of a model employee: unproductive, lacking initiative and a poor team player.

Wikipedia

"That one to me is kind of like cheating, because you are losing on purpose; you're trying to get in an easier group so you can win and dominate," said Allison Peter, a 200-meter sprinter from the Virgin Islands.

The New York Times - Sports

Get lost on purpose.

The New Yorker

I sometimes wonder if we got lost on purpose.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "lose on purpose" when you want to emphasize the intention behind a loss, especially when it's strategic or unusual. Consider the context to ensure it aligns with the implication of intentionality.

Common error

Avoid using "lose on purpose" when the loss is due to incompetence or unforeseen circumstances, not a deliberate choice. Ensure the context clearly indicates intentionality.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lose on purpose" functions as a purposeful verb phrase, indicating an intentional action taken to yield a specific outcome (defeat). Ludwig confirms its validity.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "lose on purpose" is a grammatically sound and accepted way to describe intentionally failing to win. While categorized as "Uncommon" in frequency, Ludwig AI confirms that it's still readily understandable. You'll find this expression primarily in the context of "News & Media" and "Wiki" articles. It's used to convey a strategic or planned decision to not win, rather than an accidental loss. Alternatives like "intentionally throw the game", "deliberately underperform", and "tank" can be used depending on the nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

tank

To deliberately lose in order to improve draft position or achieve a different strategic goal.

intentionally throw the game

Specifically refers to a game or competition and emphasizes the deliberate act of causing a loss.

throw a match

Similar to "intentionally throw the game", but focuses on a match or contest.

deliberately underperform

Broader application, covering any situation where one chooses to perform below their capability.

take a dive

Implies a staged or fraudulent loss, particularly in sports or contests.

engineer a defeat

Suggests a calculated and planned approach to losing.

sandbag

To conceal one's true ability in order to gain an advantage later.

fix the outcome

Suggests manipulation to ensure a specific result, not necessarily a loss.

play possum

To feign weakness or ignorance, often strategically.

sabotage oneself

A reflexive action of causing one's own failure.

FAQs

What does it mean to "lose on purpose"?

To "lose on purpose" means to intentionally fail or allow oneself to be defeated in a game, competition, or other situation. It implies a deliberate act, often for strategic reasons.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "lose on purpose"?

Use "lose on purpose" when you want to emphasize the intention behind a loss, especially if there's a strategic or ulterior motive. For example, a team might "lose on purpose" to improve their draft pick.

What are some alternative ways to say "lose on purpose"?

Alternatives include "intentionally throw the game", "deliberately underperform", or "tank" depending on the specific context.

Is "lose on purpose" grammatically correct?

Yes, "lose on purpose" is grammatically correct and commonly used. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.