why losing instead of loosening?

[Samm]

English Language Tests, Intermediate level

ESL/EFL Test #278 "Work and job expressions", question 6

Mind you it could be a way of ......... weight and becoming slimmer.

(a) loosening
(b) losing
(c) lacking
(d) avoiding

English Language Tests, Intermediate level

ESL/EFL Test #278 "Work and job expressions", answer 6

Mind you it could be a way of losing weight and becoming slimmer.

Correct answer: (b) losing
_________________________

why losing instead of loosening?

Samm

[Alan]

Hi'

'Lose weight' means get rid of weight so that you do not weigh as much as you did. 'Loosen' as a verb is to make something less tight to make it more loose. If the belt round your waist (the middle of your body) is too tight, you loosen it so that it feels more comfortable.

Alan
_________________
English as a Second Language
You can read my ESL story Phrasal Verbs/go