Lost: meaning, definitions and examples

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lost

[lɒst ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

feeling

Unable to find one's way; not knowing one's whereabouts.

Synonyms

bewildered, confused, disoriented.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
lost	This word is used when someone is unsure of their direction, either literally or figuratively. It conveys a sense of being unable to find the way or understand what's happening. I got lost on my way to the new restaurant. After the company restructured, many employees felt lost.
disoriented	This word is used when someone feels a loss of sense of direction or position, often physically, but can also be mentally. It implies a temporary state of confusion. After waking up from the nap, he felt disoriented. Traveling to a different time zone always leaves me disoriented.
confused	This word is appropriate when someone is unable to understand or think clearly about something. It is a general term for a lack of clarity. I'm confused about the instructions given in the manual. His explanation of the rules left everyone confused.
bewildered	This word is used when someone is extremely confused and puzzled by something unexpected or complex. It has a more intense feeling compared to 'confused'. She was bewildered by the sudden change in his behavior. The complex instructions left him bewildered.

Examples of usage

I was lost in the woods for hours.
She felt lost in the big city.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

action

Be deprived of or cease to have or retain (something)

Synonyms

drop, misplace, suffer the loss of.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
lost	Use this when something is no longer in your possession and you don't know where it is. It can refer to both physical items and more abstract things. I lost my keys He felt lost after his friend's departure
misplace	This word is used when you temporarily put something in the wrong place and can't find it. It implies a less permanent loss than 'lost'. I misplaced my wallet and spent an hour looking for it She always misplaces her glasses
drop	This pertains to accidentally letting something fall from your grasp. It often implies an accidental action. I dropped my phone, and the screen cracked She dropped the glass, and it shattered
suffer the loss of	This phrase is used in more formal or emotional contexts, often referring to more significant losses, especially those involving people or important things. They suffered the loss of a loved one The company is suffering the loss of several key employees

Examples of usage

He lost his keys and couldn't enter the house.
They lost the game in the last minute.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'lost' comes from the Old English 'forloren', which means 'to lose' or 'to be deprived of'.
In Middle English, the term evolved to 'lost', reflecting its deep historical roots in expressing failure to hold onto something.
The term can also signify abandonment, as in being lost in a foreign place or mentally lost in thought.

Psychology

Feeling lost can often relate to a lack of direction in life, which many people experience, especially during major life changes.
Research shows that feeling lost can trigger anxiety, but acknowledging this feeling is the first step towards finding a way forward.
The sensation of being lost can also be a catalyst for exploration, prompting individuals to seek new experiences and learn about themselves.

Literature

Literature often explores themes of being lost, from Odysseus's journey home in 'The Odyssey' to modern characters searching for identity.
The phrase 'lost in the woods' appears in various novels and poems, symbolizing confusion and the quest for clarity.
In children's stories, characters often face being lost as a way to illustrate the journey of self-discovery.

Pop Culture

The TV show 'Lost' captivated audiences with its mysterious plot and themes of survival, identity, and the search for meaning.
The phrase 'I’m lost' features prominently in many songs, often expressing feelings of confusion and despair.
Social media has spawned the hashtag #Lost, signaling users sharing moments of feeling out of place or context.

Science

In navigation, being lost occurs when one does not have access to maps or GPS, historically leading to exploration and the discovery of new lands.
Wildlife navigation studies show that animals can become 'lost' if they stray too far from their familiar territory, impacting survival.
Research in neurology indicates that the brain’s sense of orientation can be disrupted by stress, making an individual feel mentally lost.

Translations

Translations of the word "lost" in other languages:

🇵🇹 perdido

🇮🇳 खो गया

🇩🇪 verloren

🇮🇩 hilang

🇺🇦 загублений

🇵🇱 zagubiony

🇯🇵 失った (ushinatta)

🇫🇷 perdu

🇪🇸 perdido

🇹🇷 kayıp

🇰🇷 잃어버린 (irheobeorin)

🇸🇦 ضائع

🇨🇿 ztracený

🇸🇰 stratený

🇨🇳 丢失的 (diūshī de)

🇸🇮 izgubljen

🇮🇸 týndur

🇰🇿 жоғалған

🇬🇪 დაკარგული (dakarguli)

🇦🇿 itmiş

🇲🇽 perdido

Word Frequency Rank

At #629 in the frequency ranking, this word is highly important for effective communication. It's commonly used in daily situations and should be prioritized in your vocabulary building.

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626 simple
627 organization
628 front
629 lost
630 beginning
631 rest
632 motion
...