Loss vs Lost
What’s the difference between them?
Loss
Meaning:
Loss is a noun that means an experience of diminishing or the absence of something that had previously been possessed.
Examples:
1. The company suffered a huge financial loss last quarter.
2. She felt a deep sense of loss when her grandmother passed away.
3. He was unable to accept the loss of his beloved pet.
Lost
Meaning:
Lost is a past tense and past participle of the verb 'lose.' It means unable to find one's way; not knowing one's location; having gone astray; disoriented.
Examples:
1. I'm so lost - I have no idea how to get to where I need to go.
2. I was too busy daydreaming and lost track of time.
3. He felt completely lost and alone after his parents passed away.
Learn similar and opposite words to spot the difference
Synonyms
Antonyms
Loss
1. Deficiency
2. Decrease
3. Reduction
Gain
Lost
1. Misplaced
2. Gone
3. Unable to find
Found
Tricks for mastery
Useful tips to understand the difference between confusing words "Loss", "Lost".
1. Loss is the idea of losing something, while lost is the state not having something anymore.
2. Loss is a noun, while lost is a verb.
3. Remember that verb 'lost' rhymes with the verb 'cost,' while noun 'loss' rhymes with noun 'boss.'
Practice English with the Promova app and avoid misusing confusing words
Frequently asked questions
When to use the first word?
The word 'loss' can be used to refer to something that has been taken away, taken away from its owner or lost. It is often used to describe a feeling of grief or regret such as bereavement, heartache, and disappointment. It can also be used to describe a situation or circumstance in which something is lost, or has been taken away, such as a financial loss or an emotional loss.
When to use the second word?
The word 'lost' is used to describe something that has been misplaced, forgotten, or become separated from its owner. It is often used in the past tense, such as 'I lost my keys' or 'She lost her wallet.' It is also often used to describe an action, such as 'He lost his temper' or 'She lost hope.'
Do the words have the same pronunciation?
No, the words 'loss' and 'lost' do not have the same pronunciation. The word 'loss' has a long 'o' sound and ends with 's', whereas the word 'lost' has a short 'o' sound and ends with 't.'
What are common mistakes associated with words 'Loss', 'Lost'?
A common mistake when using the words 'loss' and 'lost' is using the wrong tense. 'Loss' is only used in the present tense, such as 'I experience a loss', while 'lost' is only used in the past tense, such as 'I lost my wallet'. Another common mistake is using the wrong word in a sentence, such as saying 'I experience a lost' instead of 'I experience a loss'.
Fill in the gaps to check yourself
1. Have you _________ your passport?
2. I _________ my wallet in the park.
3. The _________ of life is inevitable.
4. He experienced a great _________ when his dog died.
5. We have _________ the game.
6. The _________ of the war was immense.
1. Answer: Lost.
Explanation: The verb lost is used to describe when something is no longer in one’s possession or is no longer known or certain.
2. Answer: lost.
Explanation: The verb lost is used in the past tense form here, indicating that the wallet is no longer in the park.
3. Answer: Loss.
Explanation: The noun loss is used here to refer to the eventual death of living beings.
4. Answer: Loss.
Explanation: The noun loss is used here to refer to the deep sorrow and grief that one feels after a loved one has passed away.
5. Answer: Lost.
Explanation: The verb lost is used to describe when something is no longer in one’s possession, in this case, the game.
6. Answer: Loss.
Explanation: The noun loss is used here to refer to the great destruction and suffering caused by a war.
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List of Commonly Confused Words
Finding your way around the English language can be hard, especially since there are so many confusing words and rules. So, a list of the most confusing words in English is an extremely useful tool for improving language accuracy and sharing the ideas clearly.