utterly lost

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "utterly lost" is correct and can be used in written English.
It means completely or extremely lost, with no hope of finding one's way. Example: After wandering through the dense forest for hours, the hikers were utterly lost and had no idea how to get back to the trailhead.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Utterly lost my mind.

The Guardian - Music

Utterly lost, they chose to turn back.

The New York Times

We were utterly lost again.

The Guardian - Travel

"I was utterly lost," she said.

The New York Times

Surrey totally and utterly lost the plot.

The Guardian - Sport

At times his nuances can be utterly lost in translation.

The New York Times - Books

The movie begins, and you are utterly lost in it.

The New Yorker

Republicans are presumably utterly lost from the outset.

The Guardian - Film

Yet, once work stops, they seem utterly lost.

The New Yorker

When he left her, Ms. Mosher was utterly lost.

The New York Times

Whitman claims, "We are utterly lost without the sexual texture of things".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "utterly lost" to emphasize a complete and profound sense of being lost, whether physically, emotionally, or intellectually. It conveys a stronger sense of disorientation than simply saying "lost".

Common error

Avoid using "utterly lost" in situations where a simple "lost" would suffice. Overusing it can diminish its impact and make your writing sound unnecessarily dramatic. Reserve it for truly significant instances of disorientation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "utterly lost" functions primarily as a descriptive phrase, where the adverb "utterly" intensifies the adjective "lost". According to Ludwig AI, it is used to emphasize a complete state of being disoriented or lacking direction. The many examples of Ludwig show that the expression is correct and can be used in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Science

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "utterly lost" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to describe a state of complete disorientation, whether physical, emotional, or intellectual. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and appropriateness for use in written English. While "utterly lost" is common in news and media, caution should be exercised against overuse in simple situations where "lost" would suffice. Related phrases like "completely disoriented", "totally bewildered", or "absolutely clueless" offer nuanced alternatives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

completely disoriented

Emphasizes the disorientation aspect of being lost, focusing on the mental state.

totally bewildered

Highlights the confusion and perplexity associated with being lost.

absolutely clueless

Focuses on the lack of knowledge or understanding about one's location or situation.

hopelessly adrift

Suggests a lack of direction or control, emphasizing the feeling of being aimless.

irrevocably astray

Implies a more permanent or difficult-to-correct state of being lost.

entirely turned around

Focuses on the physical aspect of disorientation and losing one's bearings.

genuinely perplexed

Stresses the state of confusion and uncertainty.

thoroughly muddled

Emphasizes the state of being confused and disorganized.

profoundly disoriented

Highlights the intensity of the feeling of being lost and disoriented.

significantly confused

Emphasizes that the degree of confusion is high and important.

FAQs

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

You can use "utterly lost" to describe a state of complete disorientation, whether physical, emotional, or intellectual. For example, "After the argument, I felt "utterly lost" and confused about our relationship" or "The hikers were "utterly lost" in the dense forest".

What are some alternatives to "utterly lost"?

Alternatives include "completely disoriented", "totally bewildered", or "absolutely clueless", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "utterly lost"?

Yes, "utterly lost" is grammatically correct. "Utterly" is an adverb that modifies the adjective "lost", intensifying its meaning.

What's the difference between "utterly lost" and "slightly lost"?

"Utterly lost" implies a complete and profound state of being lost, with no sense of direction or understanding. "Slightly lost", on the other hand, suggests a minor degree of disorientation that can be easily corrected.