lost people

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lost people" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to people who are lost in a literal or figurative sense. For example, "The city is filled with lost people, searching for a sense of belonging."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Lost time, lost opportunities, lost people.

The New Yorker

Lost Trekkers is another place to find lost people.

WikiHow

They had all lost people.

Independent

We've lost people".

The New York Times

After the war, we still lost people.

The New Yorker

"Lost people, yeah," agrees Osman.

The Guardian - Music

"They all lost people they loved.

The New York Times - Books

"We lost people in January, too.

The Guardian

And you lost people along the way.

The Guardian

I've lost people I considered family.

The Guardian

You have lost people you love.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "lost people", consider whether you mean literally lost (e.g., in a forest) or figuratively lost (e.g., lacking direction in life). Choose language that clarifies your intended meaning.

Common error

Be specific when describing "lost people". Instead of broad statements, provide details about their circumstances or the reasons behind their state of being lost.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lost people" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "lost" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "people". Ludwig AI confirms this usage through numerous examples, indicating its common grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "lost people" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression, as confirmed by Ludwig. It commonly appears in news and media, often describing individuals who are either physically lost or lacking direction in life. Ludwig AI indicates that its usage is generally neutral in register, though the specific context can influence the overall tone. When using "lost people", it's essential to consider the intended meaning and choose language that is clear, empathetic, and avoids generalizations. Consider alternatives like "disoriented individuals" or "people who have lost their way" for increased sensitivity. Ludwig's examples showcase the diverse applications of this phrase in various contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

people who have lost their way

Elaborates on the concept of being lost, emphasizing the act of losing one's path.

people in search of direction

Highlights the active pursuit of guidance or purpose.

disoriented individuals

Replaces "lost" with "disoriented", focusing on the state of confusion and lack of direction.

those who are disoriented

Similar to "disoriented individuals" but uses a more formal phrasing.

individuals without direction

Explicitly states the lack of guidance or purpose.

misplaced persons

Uses "misplaced" to emphasize being out of one's proper place or situation.

wandering individuals

Focuses on the act of wandering without a clear destination.

wayward individuals

Suggests a deviation from the expected or correct path.

adrift souls

Employs a more metaphorical term "adrift souls", suggesting a lack of purpose or guidance.

the misguided

Implies being led astray or having incorrect beliefs.

FAQs

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

You can use "lost people" to describe individuals who are literally lost, such as "Search and rescue teams look for "lost people" in the mountains". It can also be used figuratively, like "The city is full of "lost people" searching for meaning".

What's the difference between "lost people" and "missing people"?

"Lost people" generally refers to individuals who are disoriented or lacking direction, either literally or figuratively. "Missing people" typically refers to individuals whose whereabouts are unknown and are often the subject of search efforts.

Are there more empathetic ways to refer to "lost people"?

Yes, consider using phrases like "disoriented individuals", "people who have lost their way", or "individuals without direction" to convey greater empathy and avoid stigmatizing language.

Is it appropriate to use "lost people" in formal writing?

Yes, ""lost people"" is appropriate in formal writing, but ensure the context is clear and the tone is sensitive, especially when discussing vulnerable populations. Consider more formal alternatives if the context requires it.