just missing

USAGE SUMMARY

"just missing" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe something that has been lost or is not present but was expected. For example, "She searched for her phone, but it was just missing."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"Just missing.

Independent

It's just missing, basically".

The New York Times

Just missing in action".

The New York Times

We're just missing.

The New York Times - Sports

They're just missing an edge.

The Guardian - Sport

"I'm just missing," Estes said.

The New York Times - Sports

I was just missing shots.

The New York Times - Sports

"I'm just missing him so.

The New York Times

Or maybe I'm just missing out.

Independent

"They were just missing a couple pieces.

The New York Times

He's just missing by a little bit.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "just missing" to convey a sense of near-success or slight absence, which can be more nuanced than simply stating something is "missing". For example, "The dart was just missing the bullseye" is more descriptive than "The dart missed the bullseye."

Common error

Avoid using "just missing" in highly formal or academic writing where more precise or technical language is expected. In such contexts, consider alternatives like "slightly deficient" or "nearly absent."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "just missing" functions primarily as an adverbial modifier describing the state of something being nearly absent or almost achieved. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating its use in various contexts, often indicating a close but unsuccessful attempt or a slight deficiency.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "just missing" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that conveys a sense of near-success or slight absence. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While versatile, it's best to avoid overuse in formal writing, opting for more precise alternatives. Its strength lies in communicating a subtle nuance of proximity, making it more descriptive than simply stating something is "missing". This detail can greatly enhance the clarity and impact of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

barely missing

Emphasizes the narrow margin by which something was missed.

just shy of

Conveys that something is close to being achieved or present, but not quite.

nearly absent

Highlights the almost complete lack of something.

a hair's breadth away

Uses a figurative expression to emphasize how close something was to happening or being present.

slightly lacking

Focuses on the small degree to which something is incomplete.

only failing by a little

Highlights the small margin of failure or absence.

almost gone

Indicates something is on the verge of disappearing or being lost.

scarcely present

Stresses the minimal presence of something.

in short supply

Focuses on the limited availability of something.

deficient to some degree

Highlights the deficiency of something but doesn't suggest something extreme

FAQs

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

You can use "just missing" to describe something that is slightly absent or nearly achieved. For example, "He was just missing the key ingredient for the recipe", or "The bullet was "barely missing" his head".

What are some alternatives to "just missing"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "slightly lacking", "nearly absent", or "almost gone".

Is "just missing" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "just missing" may be too informal for some academic or professional contexts. Consider using more precise language, such as "deficient to some degree" or "in short supply".

What does "just missing" imply?

The phrase "just missing" implies that something is close to being present or achieved, but not quite. It suggests a small degree of absence or a near miss. Similar to the expressions "just shy of" or "only failing by a little".