definitely lost

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "definitely lost" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express certainty about being unable to find something or being in a state of confusion or disorientation. Example: "After wandering around the city for hours, I realized I was definitely lost."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Following rupture, the ability to resist extrusion under axial loading is definitely lost [4, 13].

Journal of Orthopaedics and Traumatology

Sitcoms had definitely lost their innocence".

The New York Times - Arts

But the yacht, he said, "is definitely lost at sea".

Independent

The revenue is definitely lost to the Treasury.

The Guardian

"We definitely lost the battle of the banners," sighed Dr. Ghoneim.

The New York Times

But Nadal has definitely lost on his favorite surface to Djokovic.

The New York Times - Sports

We definitely lost quite a lot of work as a direct result.

The Guardian - Arts

He's missing that explosive element at the moment and he's definitely lost some confidence.

The Guardian - Sport

"Desmond lost it, then Sugar definitely lost his temper and chased him around the floor".

The Guardian

"I don't know how much exactly but yes, he has definitely lost weight," says a spokesman when I call.

Independent

We didn't need those treats so often and while this wasn't my intention I have definitely lost weight.

The Guardian - Money

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "definitely lost" to convey a sense of certainty when something is unrecoverable or someone is disoriented. Ensure the context supports the strong assertion of loss.

Common error

Avoid using "definitely lost" when the situation is ambiguous or uncertain. Opt for phrases like "likely lost" or "possibly lost" to reflect a more tentative assessment.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "definitely lost" functions as a descriptive phrase where 'definitely' intensifies the state of being 'lost'. It modifies a noun (implicit or explicit) to express certainty about something or someone being unrecoverable or disoriented, as evidenced by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "definitely lost" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to convey a strong sense of certainty about something or someone being unrecoverable or disoriented. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's suitable for various contexts, including news, general conversation, and even some formal writing, albeit with consideration for tone. While alternatives like "certainly lost" or "undoubtedly lost" exist, "definitely lost" remains a clear and direct way to express a state of irretrievable loss or confusion. Use it judiciously, ensuring the context supports the strong assertion it implies.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

most certainly lost

Adds extra emphasis by using "most certainly" instead of "definitely".

certainly lost

Replaces "definitely" with "certainly", maintaining the emphasis on assurance.

surely lost

Substitutes "definitely" with "surely", indicating a strong belief that something is lost.

clearly lost

Emphasizes that the loss is evident and unambiguous.

undoubtedly lost

Replaces "definitely" with "undoubtedly", highlighting that there is no question about the loss.

absolutely lost

Uses "absolutely" to intensify the feeling of being lost, conveying complete certainty.

irretrievably lost

Focuses on the impossibility of recovering what was lost.

permanently lost

Highlights the enduring nature of the loss, suggesting it cannot be reversed.

completely lost

Emphasizes the totality of the loss, suggesting nothing remains.

irrevocably lost

Stresses the finality of the loss, indicating it cannot be taken back.

FAQs

How can I use "definitely lost" in a sentence?

You can use "definitely lost" to express certainty about something being unrecoverable, such as "After the storm, the boat was "certainly lost" at sea" or to indicate a state of disorientation, such as "Without a map, I was "completely lost" in the woods".

What are some alternatives to "definitely lost"?

Depending on the context, alternatives to "definitely lost" include phrases like "surely lost", "undoubtedly lost", or "irretrievably lost". The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize certainty, lack of doubt, or the impossibility of recovery.

Is it appropriate to use "definitely lost" in formal writing?

Yes, "definitely lost" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when you want to convey a strong and certain sense of loss or disorientation. However, consider the specific context and audience to ensure it aligns with the overall tone.

What's the difference between "definitely lost" and "probably lost"?

"Definitely lost" indicates a high degree of certainty, while "probably lost" suggests a possibility or likelihood. Use "definitely" when you have strong evidence or confirmation, and "probably" when there's a reasonable chance but not complete certainty.