lost chance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lost chance" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to an opportunity that has been missed or is no longer available. Example: "After missing the deadline for the competition, she realized it was a lost chance to showcase her talent."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

This lost chance to return to my classroom was what was on Kayla's mind.

Columbia University

The lost chance was significant because Bush never budged off second.

The New York Times - Sports

It was a lost chance all the way around -- but not the last chance.

The New York Times - Sports

John Key, whose brother was on the general's staff, fed the growing opinion that Antietam was indeed a lost chance.

The New York Times

Indianapolis Colts fans are still seething over what they perceive to be a lost chance to achieve glory.

The New York Times

While the Hokies kept their national title aspirations very much alive, Boston College will lament a lost chance.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

Others, lost chances for parenthood.

Harvard University

Alas, one of theatre's lost chances.

The Guardian

In both towers, scores of people lost chances to escape.

The New York Times

Clearly this is a novel of lost chances, of lost lives, of sadness and regret.

The Guardian - Books

Early in the third period, the Rangers made the Devils pay for their lost chances.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "lost chance" to convey a sense of regret or finality about a missed opportunity. Consider the context to determine if a more nuanced alternative, like "missed opportunity" or "squandered opportunity", might be more appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "lost chance" repeatedly in close proximity. This can make your writing sound monotonous. Instead, vary your language by using synonyms or rephrasing the sentences to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lost chance" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the object of a verb or preposition. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct. Examples show it describing a missed or forfeited opportunity, either in a specific event or in a more general sense.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Academia

8%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "lost chance" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe a missed or forfeited opportunity. Ludwig AI confirms its wide applicability. Predominantly found in news and media, the phrase conveys a sense of regret or finality. While versatile, varying your language with synonyms like "missed opportunity" or "forfeited opportunity" can enhance your writing. Avoid overuse and ensure the context aligns with the intended emotional impact. By understanding its nuances and appropriate usage, you can effectively communicate the weight of a "lost chance" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

missed opportunity

Focuses on the failure to capitalize on an available opportunity.

forfeited opportunity

Emphasizes the act of giving up or losing a chance.

squandered opportunity

Highlights the wasteful manner in which the chance was lost.

pass up on the opportunity

Suggests a deliberate decision not to pursue a chance.

blown opportunity

Implies a mismanagement or failure that ruined the chance.

lapse of opportunity

Indicates a chance that disappeared due to neglect or inaction.

unattained possibility

Focuses on the potential outcome that was never reached.

passed opportunity

Similar to 'missed opportunity' but can imply a more passive loss.

lost advantage

Highlights the loss of a beneficial position or edge.

bygone opportunity

Emphasizes that the chance is in the past and cannot be recovered.

FAQs

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

You can use "lost chance" to describe a missed or forfeited opportunity. For example: "The company's failure to innovate was a "lost chance" to gain market share."

What are some alternatives to "lost chance"?

Alternatives to "lost chance" include "missed opportunity", "forfeited opportunity", or "squandered opportunity", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "lost chance" and "missed opportunity"?

While "lost chance" and "missed opportunity" are similar, "lost chance" can sometimes imply a greater sense of finality or regret. "Missed opportunity" might suggest that other opportunities could still arise.

When is it best to use "lost chance" over other similar phrases?

Use "lost chance" when you want to emphasize that an opportunity is definitively gone and there is a sense of regret or disappointment associated with it. For instance, "Failing to invest in renewable energy was a "lost chance" to mitigate climate change".