lost at sea

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lost at sea" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a situation in which someone is stranded in the middle of the ocean, away from help and civilization. For example, "The search for the missing yacht was abandoned after concerns that the crew members had been lost at sea."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Science

Social Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Lost Luna: Dog lost at sea found 5 weeks later on San Clemente Island off SoCal.

Huffington Post

He was lost at sea.

The New York Times - Sports

Perhaps inevitably, he was lost at sea.

The Guardian - Arts

Their father disappears, believed lost at sea.

The Guardian - Books

The panel heard about busted shackles lost at sea.

The New York Times

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

Independent

But usually, the bodies of migrants lost at sea vanish.

The New York Times

The Chinese military pilot was lost at sea.

The New York Times - Sports

Eight sailors were lost at sea, the agency said.

The New York Times

Skydiving, dismemberment, getting lost at sea, killer dogs — hilarious.

The New Yorker

The trawler sank, and nine Japanese were lost at sea.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "lost at sea" in writing, ensure the context clearly indicates a literal situation of being missing in the ocean or a metaphorical sense of being disoriented or overwhelmed.

Common error

Avoid using "lost at sea" in contexts where the disorientation isn't significant or profound. Overusing it can dilute its impact and make your writing seem melodramatic or unclear.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lost at sea" functions primarily as a descriptive phrase, often modifying a noun (e.g., sailor, ship). It conveys a state of being missing or irretrievable in the ocean. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Wiki

15%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Science

8%

Social Media

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "lost at sea" is a common expression used to describe the literal situation of someone or something being missing in the ocean. It also serves as a metaphor for feeling disoriented or overwhelmed in a situation. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and frequent usage in various contexts, particularly in News & Media. While the phrase is versatile, consider the tone and context to ensure its appropriateness, especially in formal writing. Alternatives such as "adrift on the ocean" or "disoriented" can offer similar meanings with slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

missing at sea

Directly indicates the state of being unaccounted for while at sea.

adrift on the ocean

Focuses on the state of being aimlessly floating, specifically on the ocean.

vanished in the ocean

Emphasizes the sudden and mysterious disappearance within the ocean environment.

presumed dead at sea

Indicates a likely death scenario due to being lost at sea for an extended period.

lost overboard

Specifies the manner of loss as falling from a vessel into the sea.

disappeared without a trace at sea

Highlights the complete absence of evidence following a disappearance at sea.

marooned on the open water

Implies being stranded in a small space surrounded by the vastness of the water.

shipwrecked and lost

Highlights the disastrous event leading to the state of being lost.

drowned at sea

Indicates a definite cause of death related to being at sea.

aimless in the deep

Focuses on the lack of direction and the imposing nature of the ocean's depths.

FAQs

How can I use "lost at sea" in a sentence?

You can use "lost at sea" to describe a person or object that has disappeared in the ocean, or metaphorically, to describe a feeling of being overwhelmed or disoriented. For example: "The sailor was "presumed lost at sea" after the storm" or "Without clear guidance, the project team felt "adrift on the ocean".".

What does it mean to be "lost at sea" metaphorically?

Metaphorically, being "lost at sea" means feeling disoriented, confused, or without direction in a situation. It suggests a lack of control and being overwhelmed by circumstances, similar to a ship without a compass in a vast ocean.

What are some alternative phrases for "lost at sea"?

Alternatives include "adrift on the ocean", "missing at sea", or feeling "overwhelmed". The best choice depends on whether you mean the phrase literally or figuratively.

Is it appropriate to use "lost at sea" in formal writing?

While "lost at sea" is generally acceptable in various contexts, including news reports and general writing, its metaphorical use in formal writing should be considered carefully. Ensure it aligns with the tone and is not overly dramatic. Phrases like "lacking direction" or "disoriented" may be more suitable in some formal contexts.