lost order

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lost order" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to an order that has been misplaced, not fulfilled, or is otherwise unaccounted for in a business or logistical context. Example: "We are currently investigating the issue of the lost order to ensure it is resolved promptly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

They feel he's not modern or post-modern but a straightforward storyteller bemoaning a lost order".

The Guardian - Books

What if Robert E. Lee's lost Order 191 had not been found by Unionists?

The New York Times - Books

The lost order was arguably a statistically predictable result of rushed administration connected with the speedy movements of Lee's army.

The New York Times

Commissioned for the medieval re-enactments of the Eglinton tournament, it is a crisp codification of the Young England movement of the 1840s and its yearning for a revival of the lost order of the Middle Ages.

The Guardian - Arts

Similarly, in postwar correspondence with McClellan, Hill learned the lost order was found inside an envelope – presumably the delivery one, implying that it had never been opened and therefore never delivered.

The New York Times

Today, a code-red mistake, like a lost order, quickly sets off the customer recovery program, which gives a server the discretion to undo the damage by offering a coupon, a free item or more.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

He has lost orders to foreign competitors asking double his price but delivering in less than half the time.

The Economist

Standardising furnishings across properties would speed up the process so there is no time lost ordering fixtures and fittings.

The Guardian

Mr. Feldman's terminal-leasing companies - the Olympia Equipment Leasing Company and the Alfco Telecommunications Company - lost orders and went out of business 10 years ago.

The New York Times

The sale would fit with Electronic Data's aim to revive profit growth after it lost orders to I.B.M., and its top customer, General Motors, cut purchases.

The New York Times

Although the final product was a success, it was delivered almost three years late, during which time Boeing lost orders to the Airbus A350.

Harvard Business Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referring to a "lost order", immediately investigate the cause and communicate proactively with the customer to minimize inconvenience.

Common error

Avoid using "lost order" when you mean a "missed order". A "lost order" implies the order went missing, while a "missed order" suggests a failure to place the order in the first place.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lost order" functions primarily as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or the subject of a sentence. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in English. The phrase identifies a specific type of order that has been misplaced or is unaccounted for.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

25%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "lost order" refers to an order that has been misplaced, is missing, or cannot be accounted for. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and appropriate usage, indicating that it is usable in different situations. While not extremely common, it is frequently found in the context of News & Media. When using the phrase, it's important to distinguish it from similar terms like "delayed order" or "unfulfilled order" to ensure accurate communication. Prompt investigation and communication are essential best practices when dealing with a "lost order".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

missing order

Emphasizes the order is currently unaccounted for.

misplaced order

Highlights the order was put in the wrong place.

unfulfilled order

Focuses on the fact that the order hasn't been completed.

outstanding order

Highlights an order that is still pending or unresolved.

unprocessed order

Emphasizes that the order hasn't been handled yet.

delayed order

Highlights that the order is behind schedule.

untraced order

Focuses on the fact that it cannot be found through tracking.

unreceived order

Emphasizes that the customer did not get the order.

vanished order

Highlights the mysterious disappearance of the order.

incomplete order

Focuses that a part of the order is missing.

FAQs

How to use "lost order" in a sentence?

You can use "lost order" to describe an order that has gone missing or cannot be located. For example: "We are investigating the "lost order" to determine what happened."

What can I say instead of "lost order"?

You can use alternatives like "missing order", "unfulfilled order", or "misplaced order" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "lost order" or "missing order"?

Both ""lost order"" and "missing order" are correct and often interchangeable. "Missing order" might imply a temporary state, while "lost order" suggests a more permanent loss.

What's the difference between "lost order" and "delayed order"?

A ""lost order"" cannot be found, whereas a "delayed order" is simply running behind schedule but is still expected to arrive.