refuse to lose

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "refuse to lose" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where someone is expressing determination or resilience in the face of challenges or competition. Example: "Despite the setbacks, the team continues to refuse to lose, pushing through every obstacle in their path."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

"I refuse to lose him".

The New York Times

I refuse to lose.

The New York Times

"They refuse to lose.

The New York Times - Sports

I refuse to lose her.

The New Yorker

That we refuse to lose this battle against fear.

The New York Times

"I must give credit to my players to refuse to lose the game".

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

But Dortmund refused to lose.

The New York Times

"He refused to lose.

The Guardian - Sport

Even then, Ronnie refused to lose faith.

The New Yorker

And Dake refuses to lose, he added.

The New York Times - Sports

"They just refused to lose".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the audience when using "refuse to lose". While appropriate in many contexts, more formal alternatives might be preferable in academic or highly professional settings.

Common error

Avoid using "refuse to lose" in situations where accepting defeat gracefully is more appropriate. Overusing it can make someone appear stubborn or unrealistic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "refuse to lose" functions primarily as an expression of strong intention and determination. Grammatically, it serves as a verbal phrase indicating a firm decision or commitment, aligning with Ludwig AI's validation of its usability.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

96%

Formal & Business

2%

Science

2%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "refuse to lose" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression that conveys determination and resilience. Predominantly found in News & Media, it serves to express a strong commitment to achieving a goal, as validated by Ludwig AI. Alternatives like "determined not to lose" or "unwilling to lose" offer similar meanings, while the phrase is suitable for neutral to slightly formal settings, its overuse or misapplication can make someone appear stubborn. Therefore, "refuse to lose" is best used to convey a resilient mindset in the face of adversity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

determined not to lose

Replaces the infinitive verb "refuse" with the adjective "determined", keeping the core meaning intact.

unwilling to lose

Substitutes "refuse" with "unwilling", highlighting the lack of desire to experience defeat.

resolved not to be defeated

Emphasizes a firm decision to avoid defeat, using a more formal tone.

opposed to losing

Expresses a stance against the idea of losing, similar to "unwilling to lose".

will not accept defeat

States a firm decision to not concede to defeat, emphasizing resilience.

not about to lose

Implies an immediate and active resistance to the prospect of losing.

rejecting defeat

Uses a more forceful term, "rejecting", to underscore the unwillingness to accept loss.

fighting to win

Focuses on the active effort to achieve victory, implying a refusal to passively accept defeat.

committed to winning

Highlights the dedication and dedication to achieving victory.

intent on victory

Shifts the focus to the positive goal of victory, implying a rejection of defeat.

FAQs

How can I use "refuse to lose" in a sentence?

You can use "refuse to lose" to describe someone's strong determination not to be defeated, as in "Despite the odds, the team "refused to lose" and fought until the very end".

What are some alternatives to "refuse to lose"?

Alternatives to "refuse to lose" include "determined not to lose", "unwilling to lose", or "resolved not to be defeated", depending on the desired level of formality and emphasis.

Is it grammatically correct to say "refuse to lose"?

Yes, "refuse to lose" is grammatically correct. It's an infinitive phrase that expresses a strong unwillingness to accept defeat, and it aligns with standard English grammar conventions, according to Ludwig AI.

What does it mean when someone says they "refuse to lose"?

Saying "I "refuse to lose"" expresses a strong sense of determination, resilience, and unwillingness to accept defeat, suggesting that the speaker will fight hard to achieve victory despite any challenges.