lost opportunities

USAGE SUMMARY

'lost opportunities' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It refers to chances or possibilities that were not taken advantage of and are now gone. Example: Due to his fear of failure, John never took risks and missed out on many lost opportunities to advance his career.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

49 human-written examples

Lost time, lost opportunities, lost people.

The New Yorker

Yet one laments lost opportunities.

The New York Times

It means lost opportunities personally and professionally.

The Guardian - Opinion

So many years and lost opportunities ago.

The New York Times - Sports

"Lost opportunities lasting lifetimes can harm society dearly".

The Economist

The reader cannot help but rue the lost opportunities.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

11 human-written examples

The lost opportunity stung.

The New York Times

Another lost opportunity.

The New York Times

Huge lost opportunity.

Princeton University

Some see this as a lost opportunity.

The Economist

That would be a lost opportunity.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing "lost opportunities", be specific about what those opportunities were and the impact of their loss. Providing concrete examples strengthens your argument and clarifies the consequences.

Common error

Avoid vague statements about "lost opportunities" without providing context. Always explain what was lost, who was affected, and the specific repercussions to make your point more compelling.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lost opportunities" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. It refers to chances or possibilities that were not taken advantage of and are now unavailable. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable status in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

25%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "lost opportunities" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to denote chances or possibilities that have been missed and are now unavailable. Ludwig AI validates its proper usage in English. Predominantly found in News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business contexts, the phrase serves to express regret, critique decisions, or emphasize the consequences of inaction. While alternatives like "missed chances" or "wasted opportunities" exist, "lost opportunities" maintains a neutral register suitable for analytical discussions. Effective use of this phrase involves clearly specifying the missed opportunities and their resulting impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

missed chances

Focuses on the failure to seize particular moments or events.

wasted opportunities

Implies that chances were available but not properly utilized.

squandered potential

Highlights the waste of inherent abilities or possibilities.

unrealized possibilities

Emphasizes the failure to bring potential outcomes into reality.

foregone advantages

Stresses the relinquishing of benefits or superior positions.

neglected prospects

Highlights the lack of attention given to promising future outcomes.

passed-up possibilities

Indicates that chances were deliberately or inadvertently skipped.

lapsed advantages

Suggests advantages that were allowed to expire or fade away.

unseized moments

Focuses on the failure to act at crucial times.

sacrificed advantages

Highlights advantages that were deliberately given up, often for a specific reason.

FAQs

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

You can use "lost opportunities" to describe situations where chances or possibilities were missed and are no longer available. For example, "The company's failure to innovate led to "lost opportunities" for growth".

What are some alternatives to "lost opportunities"?

Alternatives include "missed chances", "wasted opportunities", or "unrealized possibilities", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "missed opportunities" or "lost opportunities"?

Both "missed opportunities" and "lost opportunities" are acceptable. "Missed opportunities" emphasizes the failure to seize a chance, while "lost opportunities" focuses on the permanent unavailability of the chance.

What is the difference between "lost opportunities" and "forgone opportunities"?

"Lost opportunities" typically implies a failure to act, while "foregone opportunities" suggests a conscious decision to decline a chance, often for strategic reasons.