alost: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Extremely Rare / ArchaicArchaic, Dialectal, Literary (historical contexts only)
Quick answer
What does “alost” mean?
(archaic/dialectal) All lost.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
(archaic/dialectal) All lost; entirely lost, ruined, or destroyed. Usually functioning as a compound adjective.
An archaic descriptive term emphasizing a state of complete ruin, waste, or irretrievable loss. Not used in modern standard English.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant modern difference as the word is obsolete. Historical literary/dialectal use may be found in British Isles literature.
Connotations
Archaic, poetic, tragic, absolute.
Frequency
Effectively zero frequency in contemporary corpora for both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “alost” in a Sentence
BE alostSEEM alostLEAVE something alostVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “alost” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The ancient kingdom was alost, swallowed by the desert sands.
- He felt his honour was alost after the scandal.
American English
- The pioneer's homestead stood alost and forgotten on the prairie.
- To him, the dream was alost the moment she left.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Only in historical linguistics or analysis of archaic texts.
Everyday
Not used.
Technical
Not used.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “alost”
- Using it in place of 'almost'.
- Assuming it is a current standard English word.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, but it is an archaic or dialectal compound word (all + lost) and is not used in modern standard English.
Absolutely not. 'Almost' (meaning 'nearly') is a common modern adverb. 'Alost' is an obsolete adjective with a completely different meaning.
Only in historical texts, certain regional dialects from centuries past, or in poetic/literary works attempting to create an archaic tone.
As a lexical curiosity. Recognize it if you see it in old literature, but do not use it in speaking or writing. Use modern equivalents like 'completely lost' or 'irretrievably lost' instead.
(archaic/dialectal) All lost.
Alost is usually archaic, dialectal, literary (historical contexts only) in register.
Alost: in British English it is pronounced /ə‿ˈlɒst/, and in American English it is pronounced /ə‿ˈlɔːst/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “gone alost”
- “all is alost”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'ALL LOST' squashed into one word, signifying TOTAL loss.
Conceptual Metaphor
LOSS IS A FINAL STATE (a container from which nothing can be retrieved).
Practice
Quiz
'Alost' is best described as: