Lost on Meaning in English
expression
ˈɫɔst/ /ˈɑn/, /ˈɔn
LAWST-awn
lˈɒst/ /ˈɒn
LOST-on
Definition
If something is "lost on" someone, they do not understand it or do not notice its importance.
Usage & Nuances
Common in both formal and informal English. Usually used when a joke, meaning, or message is not understood. Structure: 'The joke was lost on him.' Often highlights a gap in understanding.
Spanish: no entendido por - incomprensible paraPortuguese (BR): não compreendido por - não percebido porPortuguese (PT): não compreendido por - não percebido porChinese (Simplified): 未被...理解 - ...没有明白Chinese (Traditional): 未被...理解 - ...沒有明白Hindi: समझ में नहीं आना - ध्यान न देनाArabic: لم يفهمه - لم يستوعبهBengali: বোঝা যায়নি - গুরুত্ব বোঝা যায়নিRussian: непонятно - не доходитJapanese: 伝わらない - 理解されないVietnamese: không hiểu - không nhận raKorean: 이해되지 않다 - 알아차리지 못하다Turkish: anlaşılmamak - fark edilmemekUrdu: سمجھ میں نہ آنا - اہمیت محسوس نہ ہوناIndonesian: tidak dipahami - tidak disadari
Example Sentences
The joke was lost on him.
basic
The meaning was lost on the students.
basic
The warning was lost on most people.
basic
All my hints were lost on her—she just didn’t get it.
natural
His sarcasm was completely lost on me—I'm too literal sometimes.
natural
The beauty of the moment wasn’t lost on him; he stopped to appreciate it.
natural