lost interest

USAGE SUMMARY

"lost interest" is a correct and common phrase in written English.
It is used to express that someone has become uninterested or disengaged in something. For example: - "I used to enjoy going to the gym, but I've lost interest in it lately." - "The students quickly lost interest in the boring lecture." - "She had a lot of potential, but she lost interest in pursuing her dream career." - "The movie started off strong, but I lost interest halfway through."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The ecologists lost interest.

The Economist

Columbia lost interest.

The New York Times - Magazine

I lost interest".

The New York Times

He hadn't lost interest.

The New Yorker

Or lost interest.

The New York Times

Pittsburgh never lost interest.

The New York Times - Sports

I immediately lost interest in playing.

The New York Times

But then the newspapers lost interest.

The Economist

She told me she had lost interest.

The New Yorker

The N.Y.P.D. has not lost interest.

The New Yorker

Other developers lost interest for different reasons.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "lost interest", clearly state what the subject lost interest in. Providing context enhances clarity and prevents ambiguity. For example, instead of just saying "He lost interest", specify "He lost interest in the project".

Common error

Avoid simply stating someone "lost interest" without providing context or hinting at the reasons behind it. Adding details about why someone lost interest makes the statement more meaningful and informative. For instance, "She lost interest in the book because the plot became predictable" is more effective than just "She lost interest in the book".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lost interest" functions as a verb phrase, typically used as the predicate of a sentence to indicate a subject's decline in enthusiasm or engagement. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and used to express disinterest. Numerous examples illustrate its use across varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

92%

Science

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Wiki

1%

Academia

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "lost interest" is a very common and grammatically sound verb phrase used to express a decline in enthusiasm or engagement. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is widely used to indicate that someone has become uninterested or disengaged in something. Predominantly found in "News & Media", it has neutral formality, being suitable for both formal and informal communication. For clarity, it's advisable to specify what one has lost interest in and, where possible, the reason behind it. Alternatives like "became uninterested", "lost enthusiasm", and "became bored" offer nuanced options for expressing similar sentiments.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

became uninterested

Focuses on the change of state from interested to uninterested.

lost enthusiasm

Highlights the reduction of excitement or passion.

became bored

Emphasizes a feeling of weariness and lack of stimulation.

lost motivation

Indicates a decline in the drive or reason to do something.

lost the desire

Focuses on the absence of wanting to do something.

ceased to care

Highlights a lack of concern or investment.

gave up on

Implies abandonment of an activity or goal.

stopped caring

Directly states a lack of concern.

disengaged from

Highlights a withdrawal from involvement.

cooled off

Suggests a decrease in interest or enthusiasm over time.

FAQs

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

You can use "lost interest" to describe a decline in enthusiasm or engagement in something. For example, "After a few weeks, he "lost interest" in the new hobby" or "The audience "lost interest" during the long speech".

What are some alternatives to saying "lost interest"?

Alternatives to "lost interest" include "became uninterested", "lost enthusiasm", or "became bored". The best alternative depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "loss of interest" instead of "lost interest"?

Yes, "loss of interest" is a correct and acceptable alternative. However, "loss of interest" is a noun phrase, while "lost interest" is a verb phrase. Therefore, their usage will differ grammatically in a sentence. For instance, "His "loss of interest" was evident" versus "He "lost interest" quickly".

What's the difference between "lost interest" and "gave up on"?

"Lost interest" implies a decline in enthusiasm, while "gave up on" suggests a more active decision to abandon something. You might "lose interest" in a hobby without actively stopping it, but if you "gave up on" it, you've made a conscious choice to discontinue it.