lost absolutely

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lost absolutely" is not commonly used in written English and may sound awkward or unclear.
It could be used in contexts where you want to emphasize a complete or total loss, but it may require additional context for clarity. Example: "After the storm, the town was lost absolutely, with no signs of recovery in sight."

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

Meanwhile Carrie has lost absolutely everything.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

So we've lost absolutely no time and no progress.

The New York Times - Sports

I wouldn't call it a missed opportunity, but time is lost, absolutely.

The New York Times

"I lost absolutely everything," says Gia Cheladze, 42, who has lived his whole life in Ergneti.

Independent

We lost absolutely everything – tables, chairs, cutlery, kitchen equipment, bar equipment.

The Guardian

"I lost absolutely everything I could afford to lose: any more, and I don't think life would have been liveable".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

As it was, I risked losing absolutely everything – just for saying some words.

The Guardian - Opinion

They come in and put in an airstrip and a compound and roads and canals and the villagers are told to go to the nearest town and they lose absolutely everything.

The Guardian

And then: after ten days of this puritanism, I lose absolutely all interest and motivation and eat a tray of chicken nuggets and drink two cans of coke.

Vice

And then: After ten days of this puritanism, I lose absolutely all interest and motivation and eat a tray of chicken nuggets and drink two cans of coke.

Vice

If you have anything more than your computer on your desk, you are fundamentally taking your job too seriously you should be able, ideally, to walk away from your job at lunchtime and never go back, and lose absolutely nothing in the collateral damage and for that reason, having a desk pile is an absolute flex of power.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

While grammatically acceptable, consider using more common alternatives like "completely lost" or "utterly lost" for clearer and more impactful communication.

Common error

Avoid using "lost absolutely" in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for alternatives with a more established presence in formal registers, such as "completely lost" or a more specific verb that accurately conveys the type of loss.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lost absolutely" primarily functions as a descriptive modifier, intensifying the state of being lost. Ludwig examples showcase its use in various contexts, from physical displacement to emotional states. Though grammatical, Ludwig AI suggests more common alternatives may be preferred for clarity.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

10%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "lost absolutely" is grammatically acceptable, it's not the most common or preferred way to express complete loss. As Ludwig AI suggests, alternatives like "completely lost" or "utterly lost" are generally clearer and more impactful. The phrase appears in a variety of contexts, from news media to personal narratives, indicating a relatively neutral register. However, for formal or academic writing, consider opting for alternatives with a stronger established presence. Ludwig examples demonstrate that, although "lost absolutely" is understandable and found accross authoritative sources, alternative phrases could improve clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

completely lost

Emphasizes the totality of the loss, replacing "absolutely" with a more common intensifier.

utterly lost

Similar to 'completely lost', providing a strong sense of finality and completeness.

totally lost

Another synonym for 'completely lost', stressing the complete extent of the loss.

irretrievably lost

Highlights the impossibility of recovering what was lost.

irreversibly lost

Indicates that the loss cannot be undone or reversed.

completely disoriented

Focuses on the state of being lost in terms of direction or understanding.

hopelessly lost

Implies a lack of hope in finding a way back or recovering from the loss.

absolutely devastated

Shifts the focus to the emotional impact of the loss, suggesting a profound sense of sadness and destruction.

gone completely

Simple and direct expression of total disappearance or loss.

nowhere to be found

Describes a state of being untraceable or unrecoverable.

FAQs

What does "lost absolutely" mean?

The phrase "lost absolutely" means to be completely and irrevocably lost, either physically, emotionally, or in some other figurative sense. It emphasizes the totality of the loss or disorientation.

Is "lost absolutely" grammatically correct?

Yes, "lost absolutely" is grammatically acceptable, but it's not the most common or stylistically preferred way to express complete loss. Alternatives like "completely lost" or "utterly lost" are often better choices.

What can I say instead of "lost absolutely"?

You can use alternatives like "completely lost", "utterly lost", "totally lost", or "irretrievably lost" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "lost absolutely"?

It's appropriate to use "lost absolutely" when you want to emphasize the complete and total nature of something being lost. However, keep in mind that it's not the most common phrasing, so consider your audience and the desired level of formality. More common alternatives such as "completely lost" or "utterly lost" may be more effective.