a wasted chance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a wasted chance" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express regret or disappointment about an opportunity that was not taken advantage of. Example: "After reflecting on the missed deadline, I realized it was truly a wasted chance to showcase my skills."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

That would be a wasted chance, says Rob Allen of King's College, London.

The Economist

At the time of his death, in 1928, he bemoaned the new housing as a wasted chance for social reform.

The Guardian

Guptill's fall for 45, however, appeared a wasted chance as he had looked well set before slogging off-spinner Nathan Lyon to Marsh at extra cover.

The Guardian - Sport

Yet "Fancy" is massively popular and much discussed, and using the music to such a narrow end seems like a wasted chance.

The New Yorker

Energised by that strike, Torres laid on a wasted chance for Malouda and shot over from a tight angle, then got a second that effectively killed the game as a contest midway through the first half.

BBC

The England goalkeeper did well to thwart Jones when the burly striker raced through on goal, but it was a wasted chance in each half by the otherwise impressive Walters that cost the hosts victory.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

A real wasted chance for the Lions.

The Guardian - Sport

Three wasted years, today another wasted chance.

BBC

But, after a game of wasted chances and missed opportunities, an intriguing and thrilling title race will now be decided at the Nou Camp on the final day of the season.

BBC

And the Bees were left to rue a number of wasted chances after going ahead, with Andre Gray missing three second-half openings.

BBC

However, Ghana will reflect on a number of wasted chances in the first half, and they clearly missed their captain and striker Asamoah Gyan, who continues to recover from a bout of malaria.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a wasted chance", ensure the context clearly indicates what the opportunity was and why it was considered wasted. This provides clarity and impact to your writing.

Common error

While "a wasted chance" is acceptable in many situations, avoid overuse in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more sophisticated alternatives like "a missed opportunity" or "a squandered advantage" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a wasted chance" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as a subject complement or object in a sentence. As Ludwig AI suggests, it expresses regret about an opportunity not utilized. Ludwig examples show this phrase applied in contexts ranging from sports to politics.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a wasted chance" is a common and grammatically correct way to express regret or disappointment about a missed opportunity. Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is most frequently used in news and media contexts, with neutral formality. While acceptable in many situations, consider alternatives like "a missed opportunity" or "a squandered opportunity" for more formal writing. Using "a wasted chance" effectively involves clearly stating the missed opportunity and its implications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a missed opportunity

Focuses on the opportunity being missed, highlighting the loss.

a lost opportunity

Emphasizes that the opportunity is gone and cannot be recovered.

a squandered opportunity

Suggests the opportunity was carelessly or foolishly wasted.

a forfeited opportunity

Implies the opportunity was given up or surrendered.

a blown opportunity

Indicates the opportunity was ruined or spoiled through some action.

a fruitless endeavor

Highlights the lack of positive outcome or wasted effort.

a vain attempt

Emphasizes the ineffectiveness or futility of the effort.

a lost advantage

Focuses on the specific loss of a beneficial position.

a missed trick

Suggests that a clever or easy solution was overlooked.

a regrettable oversight

Highlights that forgetting or neglecting could cause inconvenience.

FAQs

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

You can use "a wasted chance" to express regret or disappointment about an opportunity that wasn't taken advantage of. For example, "The project's cancellation was "a wasted chance" to innovate within the company."

What are some alternatives to "a wasted chance"?

Alternatives to "a wasted chance" include "a missed opportunity", "a lost opportunity", or "a squandered opportunity". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "a wasted chance" or "a missed chance"?

Both "a wasted chance" and "a missed chance" are grammatically correct and convey similar meanings. "A wasted chance" emphasizes the negative aspect of the opportunity being squandered, while "a missed chance" focuses on the failure to seize the opportunity.

In what context is it appropriate to use "a wasted chance"?

"A wasted chance" is suitable in a variety of contexts, including news reports, sports commentary, and general discussions about missed opportunities. However, in more formal or academic writing, "a missed opportunity" may be preferred.