losing-it
/ˌluːzɪŋ ˈɪt/ IELTSAcademic
idiom
To become very upset, angry, or confused and start acting in a wild or uncontrolled way. It is often used in speech to describe a strong emotional reaction.
- She was losing it after the bad news.
- Don't lose it during the meeting.
- He started losing it at the traffic jam.
Adinary Nuance
Losing it is more informal than words like upset or angry. It suggests someone is close to panic, rage, or mental overload, not just mildly annoyed. Writers choose it when they want a stronger, more spoken-English feel. It is not the same as crazy; it usually describes a temporary reaction.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- mất bình tĩnh
- Spanish
- perder el control
- Chinese
- 失控
- Japanese
- 取り乱す
- Korean
- 제정신이 아니다
Etymology
This phrase comes from the everyday verb phrase "lose it," which became common in American English in the 20th century. It uses "it" as a vague object, meaning your control, temper, or calm.
Common phrases
lose itstart losing itcompletely lose italmost lose it
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- Is losing it formal or informal?
- It is informal. People use it in speech, stories, and casual writing.
- Does losing it mean anger or panic?
- It can mean either. The person may be angry, upset, or mentally overwhelmed.
- Is losing it the same as going crazy?
- No. It usually means a temporary loss of control, not a permanent condition.
- Can I use losing it in IELTS writing?
- Usually avoid it in formal IELTS writing. Use calmer words like "upset" or "lose control."