lost

UK: lɒst | US: lɔːst

Definition

  1. adj. unable to find one's way; not knowing one's whereabouts

  2. adj. no longer possessed or retained

  3. adj. (of time or opportunity) wasted or not used advantageously

  4. v. past tense and past participle of lose

Structure
lose <to no longer have>t <past tense suffix>
Etymology

The word lost originates from Old English losian ("to perish, be lost"), derived from Proto-Germanic lausaz ("loose, free"). The past tense form lost emerged in Middle English, retaining the core idea of "separation" or "absence." The modern sense evolved to emphasize both physical displacement ("unable to find") and abstract loss (e.g., time, opportunities). The suffix -t marks its past tense form, aligning with Germanic verb conjugation patterns.

Examples

  1. She felt lost in the unfamiliar city.

  2. The hikers were lost in the mountains for three days.

  3. He regretted the lost opportunity to study abroad.

  4. The ancient manuscript was lost for centuries.

  5. They lost the game despite their strong efforts.