bitterly missing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "bitterly missing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a deep sense of loss or longing for someone or something that is absent. Example: "After moving away, I found myself bitterly missing the close friendships I had built over the years."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

It is fiercely beloved and bitterly missed by expats like Mr. Kamada, the musician, who owns Minca Ramen Factory in the East Village.

The New York Times

At its apex, an ugly three-story brick building still shielded the gargantuan oxygen tanks that once pumped life into the bitterly missed St . Vincents Hospital, which succumbed to bankruptcy in 2010.

The New York Times

I bitterly regretted missing that.

The Washington Post

It's adapted from a play – which I bitterly regret missing, twice.

The Guardian

Those close to the industry speak bitterly about missed opportunities.

The Guardian - Business

He was struggling, bitterly depressed and missing his family.

Vice

Leeds coach Brian McClennan said: "We are all behind Brent at this time and he is bitterly disappointed to be missing out.

Independent

"I am bitterly disappointed to be missing out on the first Test but, if I use up energy thinking about England, I lose focus on what Saracens have been doing all year," said their No8, Billy Vunipola.

The Guardian - Sport

I know George is bitterly disappointed to miss out on selection.

Independent

"I was bitterly disappointed to miss the Australia tour where the boys did really well.

The Guardian - Sport

Many in his party must now bitterly regret the missed opportunity the French airline would, after all, have bought Alitalia, debts and all.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "bitterly missing" to convey a sense of deep regret and longing, particularly when reflecting on past experiences or relationships. It's most effective when the absence has a significant emotional impact.

Common error

Avoid using "bitterly missing" in everyday situations where a simple expression of missing someone or something would suffice. The intensity of "bitterly" is best reserved for situations with genuine emotional weight.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bitterly missing" functions as an adverb-verb construction where the adverb "bitterly" modifies the verb "missing", intensifying the feeling of loss or absence. This construction emphasizes the depth and often negative emotional impact of the absence.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Academia

8%

Wiki

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "bitterly missing" is a phrase used to express a strong sense of loss or longing, often accompanied by regret. While grammatically correct, its intensity makes it more suitable for contexts where the absence has a significant emotional impact. Ludwig AI suggests that it appears mostly in news and media sources. For less intense situations, consider alternatives like "simply missing" or "just missing". The AI's analysis confirms the phrase's correctness and provides valuable context for its effective use.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

deeply longing for

Emphasizes the intensity of the longing, focusing on the emotional aspect.

painfully yearning for

Highlights the emotional distress associated with the absence.

acutely regretting the absence of

Focuses on the regret felt due to someone or something not being present.

intensely feeling the loss of

Highlights the strong emotional impact of the absence.

desperately craving

Emphasizes a strong need or desire for what is missing.

profoundly lamenting the lack of

Uses more formal language to express deep sorrow over the absence.

keenly feeling the absence of

Stresses the intensity of the feeling related to the absence.

sorely feeling the lack of

Indicates that the absence is causing considerable pain or discomfort.

greatly longing for

Emphasizes the extent of the longing.

heavily regretting

Indicates a strong sense of regret.

FAQs

How can I use "bitterly missing" in a sentence?

You can use "bitterly missing" to describe a strong feeling of loss or longing for someone or something that is absent. For example, "After she moved away, I was "bitterly missing" our late-night talks".

What's a less intense alternative to "bitterly missing"?

If you want to express a less intense feeling of missing someone or something, consider using phrases like "simply missing", "just missing", or "missing".

Is it always appropriate to use "bitterly missing"?

No, "bitterly missing" implies a strong emotional response to an absence. It's best used when the loss or absence is deeply felt. Using it in trivial contexts can sound exaggerated or insincere.

What's the difference between "bitterly missing" and "deeply missing"?

While both phrases convey a strong sense of longing, "bitterly missing" often suggests a component of regret or resentment associated with the absence, whereas "deeply missing" primarily emphasizes the intensity of the longing.