Forfeit vs. Lose — What's the Difference?
By Maham Liaqat & Fiza Rafique — Updated on April 25, 2024
Forfeit implies a voluntary surrender or penalty, often in a legal or game setting, while lose refers to the unintentional misplacement or failure in competition.
Difference Between Forfeit and Lose
Table of Contents
ADVERTISEMENT
Key Differences
Forfeit often involves a deliberate decision to give up something, such as rights or possessions, due to specific circumstances or rules. Whereas lose indicates an accidental or unintended act of losing something like an item or a contest.
In sports, a team may forfeit a game as a penalty for breaking the rules, implying a conscious choice to accept defeat. On the other hand, a team loses a game primarily due to inferior performance or strategy.
Legally, one may forfeit property or rights as a consequence of legal action or failure to meet an obligation, which is a formal and enforced decision. Conversely, losing in a legal context usually refers to a party losing a case based on the merits or facts.
In the context of games, forfeiting can mean deliberately losing or giving up as a strategic move or due to inability to continue. However, losing a game generally results from the natural course of play and competition dynamics.
Financially, forfeiting may occur when someone gives up a deposit or investment because of non-compliance with agreed terms. In contrast, losing money typically involves poor investment choices or market downturns, often without direct intent.
ADVERTISEMENT
Comparison Chart
Definition
Voluntarily give up something as a penalty or rule.
Misplace something or fail to win unintentionally.
Context
Often legal, games, or strategic scenarios.
General, including personal belongings and contests.
Connotation
Negative, implies penalty or obligation.
Negative, implies defeat or misfortune.
Intentionality
Typically intentional due to circumstances or rules.
Usually unintentional or due to external factors.
Outcome Control
Decided by the person or rules imposing the forfeit.
Determined by external circumstances or actions.
Compare with Definitions
Forfeit
Surrender something as a penalty for a mistake or fault.
He had to forfeit his driver's license due to repeated traffic violations.
Lose
Cease to possess or have something.
She lost her keys somewhere in the park.
Forfeit
Relinquish or give up with the sense of some penalty involved.
The player had to forfeit the match due to a rule violation.
Lose
Be defeated in (a game, lawsuit, battle, etc.).
The team lost the championship by just three points.
Forfeit
Voluntarily give up a claim or right.
The company forfeited its claim to the property after legal challenges.
Lose
Misplace or fail to maintain possession or control.
He lost his grip on the rope during the climb.
Forfeit
Lose or give up something as a necessary consequence of something else.
She forfeited her right to appeal the case by not filing on time.
Lose
Fail to win (an election or other contest).
He lost the presidential election despite high expectations.
Forfeit
To suffer the loss of something by way of penalty.
He forfeited his deposit after breaking the lease agreement.
Lose
Fail to keep (something desired or valued).
She lost interest in the project as it progressed.
Forfeit
Lose or be deprived of (property or a right or privilege) as a penalty for wrongdoing
Those unable to meet their taxes were liable to forfeit their estates
Lose
Be deprived of or cease to have or retain (something)
Linda was very upset about losing her job
I've lost my appetite
The company may find itself losing customers to cheaper rivals
Forfeit
A fine or penalty for wrongdoing
The loser must pay a forfeit
Lose
Become unable to find (something or someone)
I've lost the car keys
Forfeit
Lost or surrendered as a penalty for wrongdoing
His possessions were declared forfeit
Lose
Fail to win (a game or contest)
They lost by one vote
England lost the first Test match
Forfeit
To lose or give up (something) on account of an offense, error, or failure to fulfill an agreement
The other team did not show up in time and so forfeited the game.
Lose
Earn less (money) than one is spending or has spent
The paper is losing £1.5 million a month
He lost heavily on box office flops
Forfeit
To subject to seizure as a forfeit.
Lose
Waste or fail to take advantage of (time or an opportunity)
The government lost no time in holding fresh elections
He has lost his chance of becoming world No. 1
Forfeit
Something that is lost or given up on account of an offense, error, or failure to fulfill an agreement.
Lose
To be unsuccessful in retaining possession of; mislay
He's always losing his car keys.
Forfeit
The act of forfeiting
The team lost the game by forfeit.
Lose
To be deprived of (something one has had)
Lost her art collection in the fire.
Lost her job.
Forfeit
In parlor games, an item placed in escrow and redeemed by paying a fine or performing an appointed task.
Lose
To be left alone or desolate because of the death of
Lost his wife.
Forfeit
Forfeits A game in which forfeits are demanded.
Lose
To be unable to keep alive
A doctor who has lost very few patients.
Forfeit
Lost or subject to loss through forfeiture.
Lose
To be unable to keep control or allegiance of
Lost his temper at the meeting.
Is losing supporters by changing his mind.
Forfeit
A penalty for or consequence of a misdemeanor.
Lose
To fail to win; fail in
Lost the game.
Lost the court case.
Forfeit
A thing forfeited; that which is taken from somebody in requital of a misdeed committed; that which is lost, or the right to which is alienated, by a crime, breach of contract, etc.
He who murders pays the forfeit of his own life.
Lose
To fail to use or take advantage of
Don't lose a chance to improve your position.
Forfeit
Something deposited and redeemable by a sportive fine as part of a game.
Lose
To fail to hear, see, or understand
We lost the plane in the fog. I lost her when she started speaking about thermodynamics.
Forfeit
Injury; wrong; mischief.
Lose
To let (oneself) become unable to find the way.
Forfeit
To suffer the loss of something by wrongdoing or non-compliance
He forfeited his last chance of an early release from jail by repeatedly attacking another inmate.
Lose
To remove (oneself), as from everyday reality into a fantasy world.
Forfeit
To lose a contest, game, match, or other form of competition by voluntary withdrawal, by failing to attend or participate, or by violation of the rules
Because only nine players were present, the football team was forced to forfeit the game.
Lose
To rid oneself of
Lost five pounds.
Forfeit
To be guilty of a misdeed; to be criminal; to transgress.
Lose
To consume aimlessly; waste
Lost a week in idle occupations.
Forfeit
To fail to keep an obligation.
Lose
To wander from or become ignorant of
Lose one's way.
Forfeit
Lost or alienated for an offense or crime; liable to penal seizure.
Lose
To elude or outdistance
Lost their pursuers.
Forfeit
Injury; wrong; mischief.
To seek arms upon people and country that never did us any forfeit.
Lose
To be outdistanced by
Chased the thieves but lost them.
Forfeit
A thing forfeit or forfeited; what is or may be taken from one in requital of a misdeed committed; that which is lost, or the right to which is alienated, by a crime, offense, neglect of duty, or breach of contract; hence, a fine; a mulct; a penalty; as, he who murders pays the forfeit of his life.
Thy slanders I forgive; and therewithalRemit thy other forfeits.
Lose
To become slow by (a specified amount of time). Used of a timepiece.
Forfeit
Something deposited and redeemable by a sportive fine; - whence the game of forfeits.
Country dances and forfeits shortened the rest of the day.
Lose
To cause or result in the loss of
Failure to reply to the advertisement lost her the job.
Forfeit
Lost or alienated for an offense or crime; liable to penal seizure.
Thy wealth being forfeit to the state.
To tread the forfeit paradise.
Lose
To cause to be destroyed. Usually used in the passive
Both planes were lost in the crash.
Forfeit
To lose, or lose the right to, by some error, fault, offense, or crime; to render one's self by misdeed liable to be deprived of; to alienate the right to possess, by some neglect or crime; as, to forfeit an estate by treason; to forfeit reputation by a breach of promise; - with to before the one acquiring what is forfeited.
[They] had forfeited their property by their crimes.
Undone and forfeited to cares forever!
Lose
To cause to be damned.
Forfeit
To be guilty of a misdeed; to be criminal; to transgress.
Lose
To suffer loss
Investors who lost heavily on the firm's stock.
Forfeit
To fail to keep an obligation.
I will have the heart of him if he forfeit.
Lose
To be defeated
Our team lost in overtime.
Forfeit
In the condition of being forfeited; subject to alienation.
Once more I will renewHis lapsèd powers, though forfeite.
Lose
To operate or run slow. Used of a timepiece.
Forfeit
Something that is lost or surrendered as a penalty;
Lose
(transitive) To cause (something) to cease to be in one's possession or capability due to unfortunate or unknown circumstances, events or reasons.
If you lose that ten-pound note, you'll be sorry.
He lost his hearing in the explosion.
She lost her position when the company was taken over.
Forfeit
A penalty for a fault or mistake that involves losing or giving up something;
The contract specified forfeits if the work was not completed on time
Lose
(transitive) To have (an organ) removed from one's body, especially by accident.
Johnny lost a tooth, but kept it for the tooth fairy.
He lost his spleen in a car wreck.
Forfeit
The act of losing or surrendering something as a penalty for a mistake or fault or failure to perform etc.
Lose
(transitive) To shed (weight).
I’ve lost five pounds this week.
Forfeit
Lose or lose the right to by some error, offense, or crime
Lose
(transitive) To experience the death of (someone to whom one has an attachment, such as a relative or friend).
She lost all her sons in the war.
Forfeit
Surrendered as a penalty
Lose
(transitive) To give or owe (money) after losing a bet.
Lose
To be deprived of access to something.
Users who engage in disruptive behavior may lose their accounts.
Lose
To wander from; to miss, so as not to be able to find; to go astray from.
I lost my way in the forest.
Lose
(transitive) To fail to win (a game, competition, trial, etc).
We lost the football match.
You just lost The Game.
Lose
(transitive) To be unable to follow or trace (somebody or something) any longer.
The policeman lost the robber he was chasing.
Mission control lost the satellite as its signal died down.
Lose
(transitive) To cause (somebody) to be unable to follow or trace one any longer.
We managed to lose our pursuers in the forest.
Lose
(transitive) To cease exhibiting; to overcome (a behavior or emotion).
Lose
To shed, remove, discard, or eliminate.
When we get into the building, please lose the hat.
Lose
Of a clock, to run slower than expected.
My watch loses five minutes a week.
It's already 5:30? My watch must have lost a few minutes.
Lose
(ditransitive) To cause (someone) the loss of something; to deprive of.
Lose
To fail to catch with the mind or senses; to miss.
I lost a part of what he said.
Lose
(obsolete) Fame, renown; praise.
Lose
To part with unintentionally or unwillingly, as by accident, misfortune, negligence, penalty, forfeit, etc.; to be deprived of; as, to lose money from one's purse or pocket, or in business or gaming; to lose an arm or a leg by amputation; to lose men in battle.
Fair Venus wept the sad disasterOf having lost her favorite dove.
Lose
To cease to have; to possess no longer; to suffer diminution of; as, to lose one's relish for anything; to lose one's health.
If the salt hath lost his savor, wherewith shall it be salted?
Lose
Not to employ; to employ ineffectually; to throw away; to waste; to squander; as, to lose a day; to lose the benefits of instruction.
The unhappy have but hours, and these they lose.
Lose
To wander from; to miss, so as not to be able to and; to go astray from; as, to lose one's way.
He hath lost his fellows.
Lose
To ruin; to destroy; as destroy; as, the ship was lost on the ledge.
The woman that deliberates is lost.
Lose
To be deprived of the view of; to cease to see or know the whereabouts of; as, he lost his companion in the crowd.
Like following life thro' creatures you dissect,You lose it in the moment you detect.
Lose
To fail to obtain or enjoy; to fail to gain or win; hence, to fail to catch with the mind or senses; to miss; as, I lost a part of what he said.
He shall in no wise lose his reward.
I fought the battle bravely which I lost,And lost it but to Macedonians.
Lose
To cause to part with; to deprive of.
How should you go about to lose him a wife he loves with so much passion?
Lose
To prevent from gaining or obtaining.
O false heart! thou hadst almost betrayed me to eternal flames, and lost me this glory.
In the excitement of such a discovery, many scholars lost their heads.
Lose
To suffer loss, disadvantage, or defeat; to be worse off, esp. as the result of any kind of contest.
We 'll . . . hear poor roguesTalk of court news; and we'll talk with them too,Who loses and who wins; who's in, who's out.
Lose
Fail to keep or to maintain; cease to have, either physically or in an abstract sense;
She lost her purse when she left it unattended on her seat
Lose
Fail to win;
We lost the battle but we won the war
Lose
Suffer the loss of a person through death or removal;
She lost her husband in the war
The couple that wanted to adopt the child lost her when the biological parents claimed her
Lose
Place (something) where one cannot find it again;
I misplaced my eyeglasses
Lose
Miss from one's possessions; lose sight of;
I've lost my glasses again!
Lose
Allow to go out of sight;
The detective lost the man he was shadowing after he had to stop at a red light
Lose
Fail to make money in a business; make a loss or fail to profit;
I lost thousands of dollars on that bad investment!
The company turned a loss after the first year
The company has not profited from the merger
Lose
Fail to get or obtain;
I lost the opportunity to spend a year abroad
Lose
Retreat
Lose
Fail to perceive or to catch with the senses or the mind;
I missed that remark
She missed his point
We lost part of what he said
Lose
Be set at a disadvantage;
This author really suffers in translation
Common Curiosities
Is forfeiting a game the same as losing it?
Forfeiting a game is a deliberate act usually due to penalties or rules, while losing a game happens through natural play.
Can you lose something intentionally?
Typically, losing something implies it was unintentional, although one can deliberately lose in strategic contexts.
What are common situations where you might forfeit something?
Common situations include legal penalties, non-compliance with rules in sports, or strategic decisions in games.
What are the consequences of forfeiting?
Forfeiting typically results in immediate loss of rights or privileges and can include penalties or fines.
Is forfeiting seen as unethical in sports?
While it depends on the context, forfeiting in sports can be seen as unethical if it's used to manipulate outcomes or deny opponents a fair contest.
Can losing a game affect a team’s future performance?
Losing a game can affect a team's future performance by impacting morale, strategy adjustments, and psychological readiness.
How does losing affect a person's status or position?
Losing can affect status or position by diminishing reputation, rank, or perceived capability in various fields.
What psychological effects does losing have?
Losing can lead to feelings of disappointment, frustration, or decreased self-esteem, depending on the significance of what was lost.
How does the law typically handle cases of forfeiture?
Legal systems handle forfeiture through established procedures that ensure rights are respected, often involving penalties for illegal or contract-breaching activities.
What does it mean to forfeit something?
To forfeit something means to voluntarily give it up, often as a penalty or due to a rule.
How do you prevent losing something important?
Preventing loss often involves careful management, security measures, and sometimes insurance to mitigate potential losses.
Can losing ever be beneficial?
Losing can sometimes be beneficial if it provides learning opportunities or motivates improvement and resilience.
Do both terms always involve negative outcomes?
Both terms generally involve negative outcomes, but the context and intent can vary, sometimes offering strategic advantages or necessary endings.
What is voluntary forfeiture?
Voluntary forfeiture is when an individual or entity willingly gives up rights or property without external compulsion, often to comply with laws or agreements.
How do children respond to losing in educational or sports settings?
Children may respond to losing with emotions ranging from sadness to motivation to improve, and it’s crucial for their development to learn how to handle loss constructively.
Share Your Discovery
Previous Comparison
Keep vs. Kept
Next Comparison
Food vs. MealAuthor Spotlight
Written by
Maham Liaqat
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
