lost time

USAGE SUMMARY

"lost time" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used when talking about time that has been wasted or expended in a fruitless endeavor. For example, "The hour I spent trying to figure out the problem was just lost time, as it turned out to be an insoluble issue."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Making up for lost time.

Independent

We lost time".

The New York Times

I see lost time".

The New York Times

Filename for lost time statistics.

Harvard University

You're making up for lost time.

The New York Times

"We make up for lost time".

The New York Times

They made up for lost time.

The New Yorker

He made up for lost time, though.

The New York Times

"I lost time constantly," Kostelic said.

The New York Times - Sports

But I soon compensated for lost time.

Independent

"It's lost time for them.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referring to "lost time" due to an external factor, specify the cause to provide context. For instance, "lost time" due to a system failure or unexpected delay.

Common error

Avoid using "lost time" when you specifically mean time was spent idly or without purpose. "Wasted time" is more appropriate in such scenarios, while "lost time" typically refers to time that was unavailable or unproductive due to circumstances.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lost time" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the object of a verb or the complement of a preposition. Ludwig examples show it describing periods of inactivity or unavailability. The Ludwig AI indicates it's typically about time wasted.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "lost time" is a common noun phrase used to describe periods when time is unproductive or unavailable, often due to external factors. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is typically employed when discussing time that has been wasted. It is grammatically correct and finds frequent application across various domains, including news, academia, and business. Alternatives include "wasted time" or "time gone by". When writing, it's important to differentiate "lost time" (unavoidable delays) from "wasted time" (inefficient use). Ludwig's examples demonstrate its widespread use in reputable sources like The New York Times and The Guardian.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

wasted time

Focuses on the unproductive use of time, emphasizing the regret of its passing.

squandered time

Implies time was spent carelessly or foolishly, leading to a sense of loss.

time gone by

Highlights the irreversible nature of time that has passed.

irretrievable time

Emphasizes the impossibility of recovering the time that is gone.

time unrecoverable

Similar to "irretrievable time", stresses the inability to get the time back.

bygone time

Refers to a period of time that is in the past and cannot be revisited.

time slipped away

Suggests a gradual and unnoticed loss of time.

missed opportunities

Highlights the opportunities that were not taken due to the passing of time.

unproductive hours

Focuses specifically on hours that were not used effectively.

time down the drain

An informal expression indicating time that was completely wasted.

FAQs

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

You can use "lost time" to describe periods when productivity or progress was halted due to unforeseen circumstances. For example, "The project experienced significant "lost time" due to the unexpected equipment malfunction".

What's the difference between "lost time" and "wasted time"?

"Lost time" typically refers to time made unavailable due to external factors or circumstances, whereas "wasted time" refers to time used ineffectively or without purpose. Consider using "wasted time" when discussing how time was spent.

What are some alternatives to "lost time"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "wasted time", "time gone by", or "irretrievable time" to convey similar meanings.

When is it appropriate to use "lost time"?

Use "lost time" when you want to emphasize that a period of time was rendered unproductive or unavailable due to factors beyond one's control, such as delays, disruptions, or unexpected events. For instance, "The accident resulted in significant "lost time" for the construction crew".