fOMO

USAGE SUMMARY

The part of the phrase "fOMO" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to describe the fear of missing out on something interesting or exciting. Example: "She felt a strong sense of FOMO when she saw her friends posting about the concert." Alternative expressions include "fear of missing out" and "anxiety about missing out."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This could well be caused by Fomo (fear of missing out: anxiety that an exciting or interesting event may currently be happening elsewhere, often aroused by posts seen on a social media website).

The Guardian

He has frequently visited children's hospitals and in 2007 travelled to Malawi with the Friends of Mulanje Orphans (FOMO).

Encyclopedia Britannica

The Internet has planted a seed that creates FOMO (fear of missing out) if we haven't, at one time or another, tweeted a cat gif (or jif, whatever).

Independent

Cards Galore have promised not to restock the 'offensive' product From club toilet selfies to that horrible feeling of FOMO, Natasha Preskey wonders whether social media is such a force for good Logbook loan companies that allow borrowers to secure a loan against a car are more worrying than payday lenders, according to the Financial Conduct Authority's consumer champion.

Independent

With its six main stages and rolling programme from midday till after midnight, it's inevitable that FOMO sets in as you try to sample a full taste of the world unfurling its colours at Charlton Park.

Independent

Peer pressure and the so-called "fomo" phenomenon is driving students into unnecessary debt as half of all undergraduates run out of money before the end of the month, research has shown.

Independent

The psychology of envy and Fomo (fear of missing out) is fanned by the flames of Instagram, as research by Andrew Przybylski, from Oxford University's Internet Institute, has shown.

Independent

FOMO has special urgency in a digital age ruled by anxiety that something, anything, will disappear.

The New Yorker

Are we missing out?" It is a decidedly contemporary feeling, this FOMO, this fear of missing out.

The New Yorker

Can you have FOMO about your own life?

The New Yorker

Most of your FOMO can be taken care of just by stepping outside and looking up at the sunlight.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "fOMO", consider your audience; it's best suited for informal communication and contexts where the acronym is likely to be understood. In formal settings, use the full phrase: "fear of missing out".

Common error

Avoid using "fOMO" in academic papers, business reports, or other professional documents. The acronym can come across as unprofessional or flippant in settings that demand formal language. Opt for the expanded form instead.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "fOMO" is as a noun, referring to the feeling or anxiety itself. It acts as a subject or object in a sentence. Ludwig indicates that the phrase is widely understood and used in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Encyclopedias

8%

Science

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"fOMO", or "fear of missing out", is a prevalent acronym that describes the anxiety of missing experiences others are having. Ludwig AI, confirms its widespread use, especially in informal contexts like social media and news. While grammatically correct, "fOMO" should be used judiciously in formal settings, where the full phrase "fear of missing out" is preferable. Related phrases such as "anxiety of exclusion" or "concern about being left out" can provide alternatives. By understanding its meaning, context, and potential pitfalls, you can effectively use "fOMO" in your writing and communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Fear of missing out

Full form of the acronym, offering a more explicit and less colloquial alternative.

Anxiety of exclusion

Focuses on the anxiety stemming from feeling excluded from experiences.

Concern about being left out

Highlights the worry associated with not participating in events or activities.

Apprehension about missing experiences

Emphasizes the unease linked to the possibility of not having certain experiences.

Worry of being out of the loop

Conveys the concern of not being informed or included in relevant information or activities.

Social media anxiety

Links the anxiety directly to social media usage and the perception of others' experiences.

Keeping up with the Joneses syndrome

An older idiom that relates to social comparison and the desire to have what others have.

Desire to stay connected

Focuses on the underlying need that drives the fear of missing out.

The need to be in the know

Highlights the desire to be informed and aware of what's happening.

Keeping up appearances

Focuses on the pressure to present a certain image and participate in social activities.

FAQs

What does "fOMO" stand for?

"fOMO" is an acronym that stands for "fear of missing out". It describes the anxiety or concern of missing out on experiences that others are having, often fueled by social media.

How do I use "fOMO" in a sentence?

You can use "fOMO" to describe a feeling or behavior. For example, "Social media gives me serious "fear of missing out"" or "He made a last-minute decision to attend the party due to "fear of missing out"".

What are some synonyms for "fOMO"?

Alternatives to "fOMO" include "anxiety of exclusion", "concern about being left out", or simply ""fear of missing out"".

Is "fOMO" appropriate in all contexts?

While "fOMO" is widely understood in informal settings, it may not be appropriate for formal or professional communication. In those situations, using the full phrase ""fear of missing out"" is generally preferred.