What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
lost
Example
I lost my keys and can't find them anywhere. [lost: verb]
Example
The hiker got lost in the woods and had to call for help. [lost: adjective]
Example
The package seems to be lost in transit and hasn't arrived yet. [lost: past participle]
disappeared
Example
The magician made the rabbit disappear from the hat. [disappear: verb]
Example
The child disappeared from the playground and caused a panic. [disappeared: past tense]
Example
The old building has disappeared from the city skyline. [disappeared: past participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Lost is more common than disappeared in everyday language and covers a wider range of contexts. Disappeared is more formal and less commonly used, often reserved for more serious or dramatic situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between lost and disappeared?
Disappeared is more formal than lost and is often used in more serious or dramatic situations, such as missing persons or lost artifacts. Lost is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
