loose

loose · adjective

imported

Definitions

adjective

  1. 1.

    Not firmly or tightly fixed in place; detached or able to be detached.

  2. 2.

    To set free; release.

  3. 3.

    Not fitting tightly or closely.

  4. 4.

    Not bound together; not packaged.

  5. 5.

    Not strict or exact; vague or approximate.

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    at a loose end — Having nothing to do (British)
  • •
    cut loose — To free oneself; to behave in an unrestrained way
  • •
    let loose — To release; to allow freedom
  • •
    on the loose — Free, escaped, or uncontrolled
  • •
    loose cannon — An unpredictable person who may cause damage
  • •
    loose ends — Unfinished details

Related words

Antonyms: fastened, firm, secure, tight
See also: free, loosen, lose, slack
Synonyms: free, relaxed, slack, unfastened

Etymology

From Old Norse lauss ("loose, free"), related to Old English leas ("false, free from"). Germanic in origin.