输掉 (shū diào) is a compound verb meaning 'to lose (something valuable or significant)' — such as a game, competition, opportunity, money, or even trust or respect. The first character 输 (shū) means 'to lose' in competitive or transactional contexts, while 掉 (diào) adds a sense of irreversible loss, often implying something has slipped away or been forfeited completely. Together, they emphasize finality and consequence, making the word stronger and more emotionally charged than just 输 alone.

This verb is commonly used when referring to losses that carry weight — like losing an election, a business deal, or a cherished relationship. It appears frequently in news reports, personal narratives, and discussions about setbacks. Unlike neutral terms like 失去 (to lose), 输掉 implies the loss occurred through competition, effort, or risk, and often carries regret, disappointment, or blame. It’s typically followed by a direct object (e.g., 输掉比赛, 输掉合同), and cannot stand alone without specifying what was lost.