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 company lost a lot of money due to the theft. [lost: past participle]
misplaced
Example
I seem to have misplaced my phone. [misplaced: verb]
Example
She often misplaces her glasses and spends time looking for them. [misplaced: adjective]
Example
The package was misplaced and delivered to the wrong address. [misplaced: past participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Lost is more commonly used than misplaced in everyday language. Lost is a versatile word that covers a wide range of contexts, while misplaced is less common and usually used in specific situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between lost and misplaced?
Both lost and misplaced are neutral in terms of formality and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
