How Do You Spell LOST?

Pronunciation: [lˈɒst] (IPA)

The English word "lost" has an interesting spelling that may confuse learners. Phonetically, it is transcribed as /lɒst/ (in Received Pronunciation) or /lɑst/ (in General American). The silent "o" in "lost" is pronounced as /ɒ/ or /ɑ/, depending on the speaker's accent. The spelling of this word may be explained by its history, as it evolved from the Old English word "losian" which originally had a longer vowel sound. Nonetheless, "lost" is a common word in everyday English and it is important to understand its spelling and pronunciation.

LOST Meaning and Definition

  1. Lost is an adjective that describes the state of being unable to find something or someone that is misplaced, forgotten, or gone astray. It characterizes situations or individuals who are in a state of confusion, disorientation, or uncertainty as they are unable to determine their precise location or direction. The term can also be used to depict a feeling of isolation, unconnectedness, or detachment from one's surroundings, purpose, or identity.

    In a physical context, being lost implies not knowing one's way, having strayed from a familiar place, or lacking a clear sense of direction or geography. This could refer to wandering in a foreign city, trekking through an unfamiliar wilderness, or searching for a misplaced object within an environment.

    Furthermore, lost can be used metaphorically to relay a state of emotional or psychological disarray. It denotes a condition wherein an individual feels bewildered, detached, or without a clear sense of direction in their life, relationships, or aspirations. This emotional aspect of being lost often entails a sense of yearning or a quest for a sense of purpose, belonging, or self-discovery.

    Being lost can evoke distress, anxiety, or frustration as one grapples with their inability to find their way physically or metaphorically. Nonetheless, it can also present an opportunity for exploration, introspection, and personal growth, as the process of overcoming being lost often involves finding new paths, perspectives, or connections.

  2. • Did lose.
    • Laid or dropt so as not to be able to find or recover; gone from our possession or view; not visible; mislaid; that cannot be found; destroyed; ruined; wasted; bewildered; perplexed; alienated.
    • See under lose.

    Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Top Common Misspellings for LOST *

* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.

Other Common Misspellings for LOST

Etymology of LOST

The word "lost" can be traced back to Middle English, where it was spelled as "loste" or "loos". Its etymology can be further traced to the Old English word "losian", which means "to perish or to destroy". In turn, "losian" originated from the Proto-Germanic word "lustuz", which meant "destroyed" or "ruined". This Proto-Germanic term evolved from the Proto-Indo-European root word "leu(e)s-", which carried the meaning of "to separate" or "to divide". Over time, the word "lost" came to refer to something or someone that is no longer found, missing, or unable to be traced.

Idioms with the word LOST

  • lost on you The idiom "lost on you" means that something is not understood or appreciated by someone. It implies that they fail to comprehend or recognize the value or importance of a particular thing or concept.
  • lost on The idiom "lost on" typically means that someone does not understand or appreciate something, usually because they are not familiar with the subject matter or context. This expression suggests that the person is unable to grasp the meaning or significance of something that is being communicated or explained.
  • give up as lost The idiom "give up as lost" means to abandon hope or cease trying to find or recover something, typically due to the belief that all efforts would be futile or unlikely to succeed.
  • be lost without (someone or something) The idiom "be lost without (someone or something)" means to feel completely helpless, confused, or unable to function properly without the presence, assistance, or support of a particular person or thing.
  • there is no love lost (between sm and sm else) The idiom "there is no love lost (between someone and someone else)" means that two people have a strong dislike or animosity towards each other.
  • be lost on (someone) The idiom "be lost on (someone)" means for something to be difficult or impossible for someone to understand or appreciate. It suggests that they fail to comprehend or appreciate the significance, meaning, or humor of something. It implies that the person lacks the capacity to fully grasp or comprehend the subject matter or the joke.
  • no/little love lost between sb The idiom "no/little love lost between someone" means that there is a strong mutual dislike or animosity between two people. It implies that there is no affection or deep bond between them, and they may have a strained or contentious relationship.
  • make up for lost time The idiom "make up for lost time" means to do something quickly or efficiently in order to compensate for the time that has been wasted or lost. It implies catching up or making progress after a period of delay or inactivity.
  • He who hesitates is lost The idiom "He who hesitates is lost" means that someone who is indecisive or takes too long to make a decision may miss out on an opportunity or face negative consequences. It emphasizes the importance of taking timely action and making decisions promptly in order to avoid potential loss or regret.
  • lost for words The idiom "lost for words" is used to describe a situation where a person is unable to find appropriate words to express their thoughts or feelings. It signifies a state of astonishment, shock, or disbelief that leaves a person speechless.
  • lost in the shuffle The idiom "lost in the shuffle" means to be overlooked, forgotten, or disregarded due to a large or busy situation or midst of confusion. It refers to the idea of getting lost or forgotten in a crowd or group of people.
  • a lost cause The idiom "a lost cause" refers to a situation or endeavor that is considered hopeless, pointless, or likely to fail, often beyond any possibility of improvement or success. It conveys the idea that efforts or actions towards this cause would be futile or a waste of time.
  • lost without The idiom "lost without" refers to an individual feeling disoriented, confused, or bereft of direction and purpose when they lack someone or something they heavily rely on or have become accustomed to. It signifies a sense of dependence and vulnerability when separated from a particular person, object, or resource.
  • lost in the mists of time The idiom "lost in the mists of time" refers to something that is so ancient or distant in the past that it is no longer known or remembered clearly. It suggests that the details or origins of a particular event, fact, or story are obscured or forgotten due to the passage of time.
  • there is no love lost The idiom "there is no love lost" is used to describe a situation where two individuals or groups have a mutual dislike or hostility towards each other. It implies that any affection or love between them was nonexistent from the beginning, hence nothing has been lost or missed.
  • be no love lost between (two people) The idiom "be no love lost between (two people)" means that there is mutual dislike or animosity between two individuals. They have a strong negative feeling towards each other and often have conflicts or disagreements.
  • almost lost it The idiom "almost lost it" refers to a situation where someone nearly loses control of their emotions or becomes extremely angered, irritated, or frustrated. It implies that the person was on the verge of losing their composure or temper but managed to regain control just in time.
  • no love lost between The idiom "no love lost between" refers to a situation where there is a strong dislike or animosity between two or more people. It suggests that there is no affection, friendship, or goodwill between them.
  • make up lost ground The idiom "make up lost ground" means to regain a previous position or level of achievement after experiencing a setback or falling behind. It refers to the act of catching up or compensating for something that was lost or missed in order to reach the same level or progress as others.
  • be lost on sb The idiom "be lost on someone" means that someone fails to understand or appreciate something, often because it is too complex or intellectual for them. It suggests that the person does not grasp the meaning or significance of something, and it has no impact or effect on them.
  • little love lost between (two people) The idiom "little love lost between two people" means that there is a strong mutual dislike or animosity between two individuals. It implies that the relationship between them is characterized by hostility, resentment, or conflict, and there is no affection or positive feelings shared between them.
  • no love lost between (two people) The idiom "no love lost between (two people)" means that there is a strong mutual dislike or animosity between two individuals. It suggests that there is no affection or positive feelings between them.
  • there's no love lost between The idiom "there's no love lost between" is typically used to describe a situation or relationship in which two or more people strongly dislike or have animosity towards each other. It implies that there is no affection or positive feelings between the involved individuals.
  • lost in The definition of the idiom "lost in" is to be engrossed or deeply absorbed in something to the point where one loses track of time, surroundings, or focus. It implies being completely immersed or captivated by a particular activity, idea, or state of mind, often resulting in a state of unawareness or detachment from the immediate environment.
  • be little love lost between (two people) The idiom "be little love lost between (two people)" means that there is mutual dislike or hostility between two individuals. It implies that there is no affection or positive feelings shared between them.
  • lost to The idiom "lost to" generally means being defeated or having no chance of winning in a competition or battle. It refers to a situation where someone or something is unable to succeed or overcome an opponent.
  • give up for lost The definition of the idiom "give up for lost" is to accept or believe that something or someone cannot be found, recovered, or saved. It means abandoning hope of finding or retrieving whatever is lost or giving up on someone who is considered beyond rescue.
  • not be lost on (someone) The expression "not be lost on (someone)" means that someone understands or appreciates something fully or completely. When something is "not lost" on a person, it implies that they have grasped its significance or meaning.
  • there's no love lost between A and B The idiom "there's no love lost between A and B" means that two people or groups have a mutual dislike or animosity towards each other. It implies that there is no affection or positive feelings shared between them.
  • give (someone or something) up for lost The idiom "give (someone or something) up for lost" means to relinquish hope or expectation of finding or retrieving someone or something. It suggests accepting that someone or something is irretrievable, lost, or beyond saving.
  • 'Tis better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all The idiom "'Tis better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all" means that it is more worthwhile and valuable to experience love, even if it ultimately ends or brings heartache, than to have never known love or have never taken the risk of loving someone.
  • no love lost The idiom "no love lost" is used to describe a situation in which two people or groups have a strong dislike or animosity towards each other. It implies that there was no affection or fondness to begin with, so the negative feelings between them do not impact their relationship.
  • there’s little/no love lost between A and B The idiom "there’s little/no love lost between A and B" means that two people have a strong mutual dislike or animosity towards each other. It suggests that there is a significant lack of affection or warm feelings between the two individuals.
  • be lost without sb/sth The idiom "be lost without sb/sth" means to feel helpless, confused, or unable to function properly without someone or something. It implies a strong dependence or reliance on the person or thing mentioned.
  • lost and gone forever The idiom "lost and gone forever" typically refers to something that has been irretrievably lost or permanently departed. It implies that the object, opportunity, or person mentioned will never be recovered or returned.
  • all is not lost The idiom "all is not lost" means that there is still hope or possibility for success, even in a difficult or seemingly hopeless situation. It conveys the idea that despite setbacks or challenges, there are still opportunities to overcome the situation and achieve a positive outcome.
  • be no/little love lost between The idiom "be no/little love lost between" refers to a situation when two or more people have a mutual dislike or animosity towards each other. It indicates that there is a lack of affection, friendship, or positive feelings between the individuals involved.
  • get lost in translation The idiom "get lost in translation" refers to a situation where the true meaning or intention of something, especially words or ideas, is not accurately conveyed or understood during the process of translation from one language to another. It suggests that elements such as cultural nuances, idiomatic expressions, or subtleties can be easily overlooked or misunderstood, leading to a loss of the original message or intended meaning.
  • get lost! The idiom "get lost!" is an informal expression used to tell someone to go away or leave. It can be used as an impolite or unfriendly way of asking someone to leave one's presence.
  • For want of a nail the shoe was lost for want of a shoe the horse ... The idiom "For want of a nail the shoe was lost for want of a shoe the horse..." is a proverbial expression that highlights the significance of small actions or details and the potential consequences if they are neglected or overlooked. It tells a story of a chain reaction where one small, seemingly insignificant thing leads to a series of escalating problems or failures. It emphasizes the importance of paying attention to even the smallest details, as they can have significant impacts in the long run.
  • lost in thought The idiom "lost in thought" refers to a state when someone is deeply engrossed in their own thoughts or internal contemplations, often oblivious or detached from their surroundings or immediate reality.
  • like a lost soul The idiom "like a lost soul" refers to someone who appears confused, disoriented, or without direction, often feeling isolated, helpless, or hopeless in a particular situation or in life generally. It indicates a state of feeling lost or disconnected from one's purpose or surroundings.
  • give somebody/something up for lost The idiom "give somebody/something up for lost" means to assume or accept that someone or something is dead, gone, or cannot be recovered or saved. It implies that all hope or expectation has been abandoned, typically due to a lack of progress or any positive outcome.
  • lost without sm or sth The idiom "lost without someone or something" means feeling completely helpless, confused, or unable to function effectively without that person or thing's assistance or presence. It suggests a strong reliance or dependency on someone or something for guidance, support, or direction.
  • lost cause The idiom "lost cause" refers to a situation or endeavor that is deemed hopeless, with little or no chance of success or improvement. It suggests that any effort or resources put into it will likely be in vain or wasted.
  • be lost for words The idiom "be lost for words" means to be speechless or unable to find the right words to express one's thoughts or emotions. It refers to a situation where someone is so surprised, awed, or overwhelmed that they are unable to speak or articulate their feelings.
  • For want of a nail the shoe was lost for want of a shoe the horse was lost and for want of a horse the man was lost. The idiom "For want of a nail the shoe was lost, for want of a shoe the horse was lost, and for want of a horse the man was lost" is a proverb that emphasizes the significance of seemingly minor or insignificant actions or decisions that can have far-reaching, unintended consequences. It illustrates how a small oversight or neglect can lead to a chain of events resulting in severe outcomes. In essence, it highlights the importance of attention to detail and taking seemingly small matters seriously, as they can have significant implications in the long run.
  • be/feel lost without somebody/something The idiom "be/feel lost without somebody/something" means to feel completely helpless, disoriented, or lacking direction when separated from a particular person or thing. It conveys a strong sense of reliance or dependency on that person or thing for guidance or support.
  • lost without sb/sth The idiom "lost without sb/sth" refers to a feeling of being completely disoriented, helpless, or lacking direction without the presence or assistance of a particular person or thing. It implies a sense of dependency and reliance on that individual or object for guidance, support, or purpose.
  • lost-and-found The term "lost-and-found" refers to a location or system where lost items are collected and stored until they can be returned to their rightful owners. It can also be used more generally to describe a situation where lost items are recovered or found after being misplaced.
  • lost-and-found badge The idiom "lost-and-found badge" refers to a person who frequently loses or misplaces items and then finds them later on. It is used to describe someone who is forgetful or disorganized.

Similar spelling words for LOST

Conjugate verb Lost

CONDITIONAL

I would lose
we would lose
you would lose
he/she/it would lose
they would lose

FUTURE

I will lose
we will lose
you will lose
he/she/it will lose
they will lose

FUTURE PERFECT

I will have lost
we will have lost
you will have lost
he/she/it will have lost
they will have lost

PAST

I lost
we lost
you lost
he/she/it lost
they lost

PAST PERFECT

I had lost
we had lost
you had lost
he/she/it had lost
they had lost

PRESENT

I lose
we lose
you lose
he/she/it loses
they lose

PRESENT PERFECT

I have lost
we have lost
you have lost
he/she/it has lost
they have lost
I am losing
we are losing
you are losing
he/she/it is losing
they are losing
I was losing
we were losing
you were losing
he/she/it was losing
they were losing
I will be losing
we will be losing
you will be losing
he/she/it will be losing
they will be losing
I have been losing
we have been losing
you have been losing
he/she/it has been losing
they have been losing
I had been losing
we had been losing
you had been losing
he/she/it had been losing
they had been losing
I will have been losing
we will have been losing
you will have been losing
he/she/it will have been losing
they will have been losing
I would have lost
we would have lost
you would have lost
he/she/it would have lost
they would have lost
I would be losing
we would be losing
you would be losing
he/she/it would be losing
they would be losing
I would have been losing
we would have been losing
you would have been losing
he/she/it would have been losing
they would have been losing

Infographic

Add the infographic to your website: