a squandered chance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a squandered chance" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an opportunity that was missed or wasted. Example: "He regretted not applying for the job, realizing it was a squandered chance to advance his career."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

He did not like a question about whether the loss represented a squandered chance in a statement game.

The New York Times - Sports

It was a squandered chance to set rules requiring that executions be carried out as humanely as possible.

The New York Times

In the normally disciplined ranks of Republican opinion-makers, Harriet Miers is reviled as a mediocrity and a squandered chance to move the Supreme Court firmly to the right for the next few decades; those Inauguration Night revellers are now tearing her and one another apart on right-wing Web sites.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

It's a rehash, a squandered opportunity.

The New York Times - Arts

By game's end, it felt like a squandered opportunity.

The New York Times - Sports

The resulting undistinguished building, within walking distance, serves as a monument to a squandered opportunity.

The New York Times - Travel

Others saw in Dr. Dean's surge and slide a squandered opportunity.

The New York Times

Like every privatisation and every nationalisation, this is a squandered opportunity.

The Guardian - Opinion

The rally became a squandered opportunity six weeks out from the caucuses.

The Guardian

And with interest rates still extremely low, many economists see this as a squandered opportunity to invest.

Independent

It would be a squandered opportunity if he appointed the same bunch of hacks who helped create the current mess".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a squandered chance" to emphasize the regret or negative consequences associated with missing an important opportunity. This is particularly effective when discussing strategic errors or failures to capitalize on favorable circumstances.

Common error

Avoid using "a squandered chance" in situations that are only mildly disappointing. The phrase carries a significant weight of regret, so reserve it for situations where the missed opportunity had substantial negative consequences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a squandered chance" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where the adjective "squandered" modifies the noun "chance". This construction serves to describe a specific type of opportunity – one that has been wasted or lost due to mismanagement or neglect. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a squandered chance" effectively conveys the disappointment and regret associated with a missed or wasted opportunity. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and frequently appears in News & Media contexts. While synonyms like "a missed opportunity" or "a wasted opportunity" exist, "a squandered chance" specifically highlights the mismanagement or neglect that led to the loss. When using this phrase, ensure the context warrants the strong sense of regret it implies. Overusing it in minor situations can diminish its impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a missed opportunity

Focuses on the opportunity being missed rather than the aspect of it being wasted.

a wasted opportunity

Highlights the aspect of the opportunity being wasted, similar to the original phrase.

a lost opportunity

Emphasizes the finality of the opportunity being gone.

a forfeited chance

Suggests the chance was given up or lost due to some action or inaction.

a neglected opportunity

Highlights the aspect of the opportunity being ignored or not given due attention.

an unexploited opportunity

Focuses on the failure to take advantage of the opportunity.

a bungled opportunity

Implies the opportunity was mishandled or ruined through incompetence.

a blown opportunity

Suggests the opportunity was ruined or lost through a mistake.

a ruined opportunity

Emphasizes that the opportunity is now damaged or unusable.

a frittered away chance

Focuses on the opportunity being wasted in small increments or carelessly.

FAQs

How can I use "a squandered chance" in a sentence?

You can use "a squandered chance" to describe a missed or wasted opportunity. For example: "The team's loss was a squandered chance to advance to the finals".

What is a synonym for "a squandered chance"?

Synonyms for "a squandered chance" include "a missed opportunity", "a wasted opportunity", or "a lost opportunity".

Is it appropriate to use "a squandered chance" in formal writing?

Yes, "a squandered chance" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when conveying a sense of regret or highlighting the negative consequences of a missed opportunity.

What is the difference between "a squandered chance" and "a missed opportunity"?

While both phrases refer to a lost opportunity, "a squandered chance" emphasizes that the opportunity was wasted or mishandled, whereas "a missed opportunity" simply means the opportunity was not taken advantage of.