How to Pronounce Loose vs Lose

"loose" and "lose" are pronounced differently. "loose" is loos (/luːs/); "lose" is looz (/luːz/). The final consonant differs: "loose" ends in a hissed "s"; "lose" ends in a buzzed "z".

🔀 Different pronunciation

loose

/luːs/

Say it like: loos

loose

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Accent

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Speed

Full pronunciation page for “loose” →

lose

/luːz/

Say it like: looz

lose

Tap to hear · American accent

Accent

If an accent sounds the same, your device is missing that voice — it falls back to the closest one.

Speed

Full pronunciation page for “lose” →

Frequently asked questions

Are "loose" and "lose" pronounced the same?

No. "loose" is loos (/luːs/) and "lose" is looz (/luːz/). The final consonant differs: "loose" ends in a hissed "s"; "lose" ends in a buzzed "z".

Why do people confuse "loose" and "lose"?

Nearly the same spelling, but the s/z ending changes the word entirely.

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