Lost

Definition

Lost is an adjective and the past tense and past participle form of the verb "lose." As an adjective, it describes something that cannot be found, someone who is unsure of their direction or purpose, or a situation where something has been forfeited. As a verb form, it refers to the action of losing possession or experiencing defeat.

Parts of Speech

• Adjective
• Verb (past tense and past participle of "lose")

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /lɔːst/ or /lɑːst/
• Respelling: LAWST or LAHST

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /lɒst/
• Respelling: LOST

Etymology

The word "lost" originates from Old English "losian," meaning "to perish" or "to be lost," derived from the Proto-Germanic "*lausjaną." Its adjective form developed as a natural extension of the verb's meanings.

Derivatives

• Loss (noun)
• Loser (noun)
• Lostness (noun)
• Relost (verb)
• Overlost (adjective, rare)

Synonyms

• Missing
• Gone
• Defeated

Antonyms

• Found
• Present
• Victorious

Usage

The term "lost" is commonly used to describe misplaced objects, disoriented individuals, or abstract states such as confusion or emotional despair. For example, "The keys are lost," "She felt lost in the new city," and "The team lost the match."

Related Terms

• Loss: The state of being deprived of something.
• Misplace: To lose temporarily.
• Confusion: A state of being bewildered or unclear.

Detailed Definitions

Adjective

• Unable to be found: Refers to objects or people whose location is unknown.
  • Example: "The hikers were lost in the forest."
• Without direction or purpose: Describes someone unsure of their path or confused.
  • Example: "He felt lost after changing careers."
• Having suffered defeat or failure: Indicates a situation where something has been forfeited.
  • Example: "The team was lost in the final round."

Verb

• To have misplaced something: Refers to the action of losing possession.
  • Example: "He lost his wallet on the bus."
• To experience defeat: Refers to failing in a competition or endeavor.
  • Example: "They lost the game by one point."