lost to something

USAGE SUMMARY

'lost to something' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to describe when someone has been unable to achieve something or beaten by something. For example, "I was lost to the competition, finishing in last place."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

If you get lose to something, don't worry, you will not lose your dignity, it will make you stringer instead.

WikiHow

"I mean I wouldn't mind if I lost to the Mummy or something like that.

The New York Times

As second-time surrogate from Nepal, Diksha Gurunga, puts it, "You have to lose something to gain something and what we gain is a lot more than what we lose".

The Guardian

(Losing to the Russians has something epic about it; losing to the Americans is just embarrassing).

The New Yorker

Even Los Angeles Galaxy Coach Bruce Arena, who has the most to lose if something happens to Donovan in England, is in favor of the move.

The New York Times

A government, even one as tyrannical and aggressive as Iraq's, always has something to lose and something to gain.

The New Yorker

"We have to lose something in order to get something," he says.

The Economist

The big banks are the ones with the most to lose from something like a blockchain.

Huffington Post

But usually, people who try to sway public opinion do it when they have little left to lose and something new to sell.

The New York Times - Arts

Envy involves a longing for what you don't have, while jealousy is provoked by losing something to someone else.

The New York Times - Science

We've lost something important to the soul of America and that is our connection to one another.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "lost to something", ensure that the 'something' is a clear and identifiable entity, force, or concept. This helps maintain clarity and avoids ambiguity in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "lost to something" when the context requires a more specific agent or cause. If possible, replace 'something' with a more precise noun or phrase for better clarity and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lost to something" functions as a prepositional phrase, typically used as an adjective complementing a noun or pronoun. It describes the state of being defeated or overcome by an entity, force, or concept.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

30%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "lost to something" is a prepositional phrase indicating defeat or the inability to overcome an opposing force. While Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, its usage is relatively rare, primarily appearing in news and media and Wiki contexts. To enhance clarity, consider substituting 'something' with a more specific noun or phrase. While acceptable across various registers, ensure the context aligns with the desired tone, whether factual or expressive. Alternatives include "defeated by something" or "overcome by something", depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

defeated by something

Replaces "lost" with a more direct synonym, emphasizing the act of being overcome.

overcome by something

Focuses on the inability to resist or withstand the influence or effect of something.

succumbed to something

Implies yielding to a force or influence, often with negative connotations.

yielded to something

Suggests a more passive acceptance of defeat or inability to resist.

bested by something

Indicates being outdone or surpassed by something, highlighting a competition or contest.

vanquished by something

Conveys a sense of complete defeat or subjugation, often in a more dramatic or historical context.

overpowered by something

Highlights the overwhelming strength or force of the opposing entity.

outmatched by something

Emphasizes the superior capabilities or resources of the opposing entity.

no match for something

Directly states the inability to compete or resist effectively.

unable to withstand something

Focuses on the lack of resilience or resistance to an opposing force.

FAQs

How can I use "lost to something" in a sentence?

The phrase "lost to something" indicates defeat or inability to overcome an entity or concept. For example, "The team was "defeated by the opponent"'s superior strategy".

What can I say instead of "lost to something"?

You can use alternatives like "defeated by something", "overcome by something", or "succumbed to something" depending on the specific context.

Is "lost to something" formal or informal?

The phrase "lost to something" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, though it is more commonly found in news and media reporting or general discussions.

What does it mean to say someone was "lost to something"?

To be "lost to something" generally implies a lack of control or agency, suggesting that an individual or entity has been overcome or defeated by an external force or influence.