1
: not made use of, won, or claimed
a lost opportunity
2
a
: no longer possessed
a lost reputation
b
: no longer known
a lost tunnel
3
: ruined or destroyed physically or morally : desperate
a lost soul
4
a
: taken away or beyond reach or attainment : denied
regions lost to the faith
b
: insensible, hardened
lost to shame
5
a
: unable to find the way
b
: no longer visible
lost in the crowd
c
: lacking assurance or self-confidence : helpless
lost without his glasses
7
: not appreciated or understood : wasted
Their jokes were lost on me.
8
: obscured or overlooked during a process or activity
lost in translation
9
: hopelessly unattainable : futile
a lost cause
Examples of lost in a Sentence
Adjective
He was looking for his lost keys.
Many have tried to find the ruins of the lost city.
We took a wrong turn and got lost.
Hold my hand. I don't want you to get lost.
He has been trying to recapture his lost youth.
The original music is lost to us forever.
Recent Examples on the Web
Luke Chinman, People.com, 1 Aug. 2025
That can mean millions of dollars in lost production.
—Jim Vinoski, Forbes.com, 31 July 2025
Some of those sales would likely transfer to traditional in-person purchases, the budget board said, but not enough to offset the lost revenue.
—John C. Moritz, Austin American Statesman, 30 July 2025
The move to tear down buildings has sparked backlash from preservationists and community members, who argue that the demolitions represent a lost opportunity to celebrate and protect Denver’s railroad history.
—Jessica Alvarado Gamez, Denver Post, 29 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for lost
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Adjective
As his story gained traction, even a private investigator reached out to help find the lost dog.
—Luke Chinman, People.com, 1 Aug. 2025
That can mean millions of dollars in lost production.
—Jim Vinoski, Forbes.com, 31 July 2025
Some of those sales would likely transfer to traditional in-person purchases, the budget board said, but not enough to offset the lost revenue.
—John C. Moritz, Austin American Statesman, 30 July 2025
The move to tear down buildings has sparked backlash from preservationists and community members, who argue that the demolitions represent a lost opportunity to celebrate and protect Denver’s railroad history.
—Jessica Alvarado Gamez, Denver Post, 29 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for lost
Cite this Entry
“Lost.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lost. Accessed 6 Aug. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
lost
adjective1
: not used, won, or claimed
lost opportunities
2
: no longer possessed or known
a long lost uncle
3
: ruined or destroyed physically or morally
4
: unable to find the way
a lost puppy
5
: having the mind absorbed and not aware of surroundings
lost in daydreams
6
: futile
a lost cause
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