Which elements are most likely to lose electrons combining with other elements?

the elements which have 1, 2 or 3 electrons in their valence (outermost)shells are most likely to lose electrons compared to the other ones and we name them as metals and alkaline earth metals. these elements want to give their outermost shell electrons to become more stable. because when they give those electrons the next shell under this one which has 8 electrons (2 in some cases such as lithium) becomes the new valence shell so the electron configuration resembles a noble gas.