lost in the shuffle

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lost in the shuffle" is correct and commonly used in written English to describe someone or something that has become neglected or overlooked due to the overwhelming demands of other people or things.
For example, "During the recent budget cuts, our department was unfortunately lost in the shuffle."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

They get lost in the shuffle.

The New York Times - Food

"They got lost in the shuffle," Mr. Affleck said.

The New York Times

"You get a little lost in the shuffle," she said.

The New Yorker

What sometimes gets lost in the shuffle is affection.

The New Yorker

Thematic niceties regarding "maternal ambivalence" get lost in the shuffle.

The Guardian - Books

I could have been lost in the shuffle there.

The New York Times - Sports

"It should never be lost in the shuffle.

The New York Times - Sports

"I felt like I got lost in the shuffle," Wieland said.

The New York Times - Sports

The era's truly compelling stories, like that of Holder and Kerkow, got lost in the shuffle.

The New York Times

"It was inevitable that families were going to get lost in the shuffle".

The New York Times

Profitability in several companies is better than expected, and that has gotten lost in the shuffle".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Pair "lost in the shuffle" with specific examples to illustrate what was overlooked and the consequences. This strengthens your writing and makes the impact clearer.

Common error

Avoid using "lost in the shuffle" in highly formal or technical writing. While widely understood, it is considered an informal idiom and might be inappropriate for academic papers or official reports.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lost in the shuffle" functions as an idiom, typically serving as a predicate adjective to describe a noun that has been overlooked or neglected due to being part of a large, disorganized group or process. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and widespread usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

74%

Wiki

10%

Science

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "lost in the shuffle" is a common idiom used to describe something or someone that has been overlooked or forgotten due to a large number of competing priorities or a chaotic situation. As Ludwig AI points out, it is grammatically correct and widely used. While versatile, it is more appropriate for neutral to informal contexts, with examples showing its frequent use in news and media. Alternatives like "overlooked" or "neglected" may be more suitable for formal writing. Remember to use the phrase when highlighting a lack of individual attention and to provide specific examples to strengthen your message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

overlooked

Implies something was missed or not given enough attention.

forgotten

Suggests something has faded from memory or consideration.

neglected

Indicates a lack of care or attention.

overwhelmed

Highlights the feeling of being burdened or unable to cope with numerous tasks or details, causing some to be missed.

buried

Implies something is hidden or obscured by other things.

submerged

Suggests something has been completely covered or taken over.

inadvertently missed

Emphasizes that something was missed unintentionally.

sidelined

Highlights that something or someone has been moved to the side and is no longer a priority.

fallen by the wayside

Indicates something that has been abandoned or given up on.

gone unnoticed

Emphasizes the lack of attention something received.

FAQs

How can I use "lost in the shuffle" in a sentence?

You can use "lost in the shuffle" to describe something that has been overlooked or forgotten due to a large number of other things happening at the same time. For example, "During the merger, many important details were "lost in the shuffle"".

What are some alternatives to "lost in the shuffle"?

Alternatives include "overlooked", "forgotten", or "neglected". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "lost in the shuffle" appropriate for formal writing?

While widely understood, "lost in the shuffle" is generally considered an informal idiom. For formal writing, consider using more precise and less idiomatic alternatives such as "overlooked" or "neglected".

What does it mean to say something got "lost in the shuffle"?

It means that something was overlooked or forgotten because there were too many things happening at once or because attention was focused elsewhere. It implies a lack of individual attention or care.