exactly lost

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "exactly lost" is not commonly used in written English and may sound awkward.
It could be used in contexts where you want to emphasize the precise nature of being lost, but it may not convey a clear meaning. Example: "After wandering for hours, I was exactly lost, with no idea which direction to take."

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

We weren't exactly lost.

The Washington Post

What "The North" means is not exactly lost, but is in the process of being simplified.

The Guardian - Books

Ah, the homely lasagne: a dish which, if not exactly lost in translation has, in the grand British tradition, been considerably mangled.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The film-makers aren't exactly lost in the woods, but nor do they ever give us much sense that they know or care in which direction they are going.

Independent

We weren't exactly lost, but an old lady's directions, in rambling Catalan, seemed somewhat improbable: go until you see a path that looks like it used to be a railroad, she said.

The New York Times - Travel

With the second series of The X Factor enjoying only modest success in the US, and audiences for his two ITV talent shows in decline, Cowell hasn't exactly lost his deposit but neither did he hit the (Wonga-sponsored) jackpot.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

Ford didn't exactly lose interest in me.

The New York Times

If Platnick had finessed the heart jack at Trick 3, he would have made his contract exactly, losing one spade, two hearts, one club and a spade ruff.

The New York Times

Carlota Santana presides over the sort of friendly, modern flamenco in which dancers don't exactly lose all semblance of control.

The New York Times - Arts

The Kings reached the Stanley Cup finals in amazing fashion, the controversy at the end belying the fact that the Coyotes didn't exactly lose by one bounce, as Allen Muir points out on SI.com.

The New York Times - Sports

While the government didn't exactly lose the Snipes case, it wasn't a pure win either.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "exactly lost", consider whether a more common phrase like "completely lost" or "utterly lost" would be clearer and more natural for your audience.

Common error

Avoid using "exactly lost" when you simply mean "lost". The word "exactly" implies a precise or measurable degree of being lost, which is often not the intended meaning. Instead, choose a simpler and more direct expression.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "exactly lost" functions as an adverb-adjective combination modifying a state of being. It aims to emphasize the extent or precision of being lost, though Ludwig's examples reveal it's not the most common or natural construction. Ludwig AI considers it an acceptable but potentially awkward phrase.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "exactly lost" is an uncommon expression used to emphasize the completeness or precision of being lost. While grammatically acceptable, Ludwig indicates it may sound awkward compared to more common alternatives like "completely lost" or "utterly lost". Primarily found in News & Media contexts, its usage aims to highlight a state of disorientation, though simpler expressions often achieve this more effectively. When writing, consider whether the emphasis provided by "exactly" is necessary, or if a more standard phrase would be clearer and more natural.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Seriously disoriented

Highlights the level of confusion and disorientation associated with being lost.

Completely disoriented

This alternative emphasizes the total loss of orientation.

Utterly bewildered

This alternative highlights the confusion and uncertainty associated with being lost.

Totally turned around

This suggests a loss of direction and spatial awareness.

Irretrievably lost

Implies that there's no chance of finding the way back.

Hopelessly adrift

Emphasizes a lack of direction and control.

Absolutely clueless

Highlights a lack of understanding about where one is.

Thoroughly misplaced

Suggests a sense of being out of place and lost.

Entirely misguided

Focuses on having taken the wrong path, leading to being lost.

Absolutely nowhere

Implies being in an unknown and isolated location.

FAQs

What does "exactly lost" mean?

The phrase "exactly lost" is used to emphasize the degree to which someone is lost, implying a complete or undeniable state of being lost. However, it's often considered less common than alternatives like "completely lost" or "utterly lost".

Is it correct to say "exactly lost"?

While not grammatically incorrect, "exactly lost" is not a commonly used phrase. It might sound awkward to some native English speakers. Using "completely lost" or "utterly lost" might be a better alternative.

What are some alternatives to "exactly lost"?

Alternatives to "exactly lost" include "completely lost", "utterly lost", "thoroughly lost", or "seriously disoriented", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

When should I use "exactly lost" instead of "lost"?

You might use "exactly lost" to emphasize the precision or completeness of being lost, but consider if the emphasis is necessary. In most cases, simply saying "lost" is sufficient. If you want to add emphasis, "completely lost" or "utterly lost" are more common and natural-sounding choices.