lost crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're stuck on the clue "lost," you've come to the right place. We provide all possible solutions for various letter counts, complete with clear explanations to help you complete your puzzle and deepen your crossword knowledge.
Solutions for "lost crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
GONE: No longer present; departed or missing.
6 Letters
ABSENT: Not in a particular place; missing or away.
7 Letters
MISLAID: Placed wrongly; temporarily lost or misplaced.
8 Letters
DEFEATED: Overcome in a battle, contest, or struggle; having lost.
More About "lost crossword clue"
The word "lost" is a versatile clue in crosswords, often leading to answers that reflect absence, defeat, or confusion. Its interpretation depends heavily on the surrounding words in the clue and the puzzle's theme. For instance, "lost property" might point to MISLAID, while "lost in thought" could suggest ABSTRUSE or PERPLEXED. Pay close attention to the tense and part of speech hinted at by the clue, as "lost" can be an adjective or the past participle of "lose".
Crossword setters love using words like "lost" because of their multiple meanings, which allow for clever wordplay and misdirection. Always consider the literal and figurative interpretations. Is something physically gone, or has someone lost a game or their way? Identifying these nuances is key to selecting the correct answer from the various possibilities.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider Synonyms and Antonyms: For "lost," think of words meaning "missing," "vanished," "defeated," or even "found" if the clue implies the opposite.
- Check Word Length: The number of letters is your most crucial hint. Eliminate answers that don't fit the designated length.
- Look for Homophones or Puns: Sometimes "lost" might be a sound-alike clue. Though less common for "lost," always keep an eye out for wordplay.
- Analyze the Clue's Context: If "lost" is part of a phrase, like "lost cause" or "lost at sea," the answer will often relate to the full phrase's meaning.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I approach a 'lost' clue in crosswords?
When encountering a 'lost' clue, consider its various meanings: physically missing (gone, mislaid, absent), defeated (beaten, succumbed), or bewildered (perplexed, confused). Always check the letter count and surrounding letters for context, as this will narrow down the possibilities.
Are there common synonyms for 'lost' that appear in crosswords?
Yes, common synonyms include GONE, MISPLACED, ABSENT, ADRIFT, FORFEIT, STRAYED, and BEATEN. The specific context of the clue, along with any other words or phrases in the clue, will often hint at which synonym is appropriate for the puzzle.
What if 'lost' is part of a phrase in the clue?
If 'lost' is part of a larger phrase (e.g., 'lost cause', 'lost out', 'lost to the ages'), the answer might be related to the phrase's idiomatic meaning (e.g., HOPELESS, FAILED, ANCIENT). This requires careful attention to the entire clue's wording and common idioms.