missed chances

USAGE SUMMARY

"missed chances" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is often used to refer to opportunities or advantages that were not taken advantage of. For example, "She regretted the missed chances she had to start her own business."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

His team had also missed chances.

The Guardian - Sport

The Marlins (1-5) rued their missed chances.

The New York Times - Sports

Both teams missed chances to win in the first overtime.

The New York Times - Sports

It was one of many missed chances for the Giants.

The New York Times - Sports

That's because the earlier missed chances were massive.

The New York Times - Sports

While there were missed chances, there were also bright spots.

The New York Times - Sports

Czerkawski and Peca slammed their sticks after missed chances.

The New York Times - Sports

They had missed chances to put the game away.

The Guardian - Sport

Jokowi never developed these storytelling skills.Yet the campaign is not merely about one candidate's missed chances.

The Economist

After each team traded missed chances, the stage was set for Bird's last-second shot.

The New York Times - Sports

All right he missed chances but we saw him and that's a good sign.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "missed chances", ensure the context clearly indicates what the missed chances refer to. Specificity enhances the impact of your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "missed chances" repeatedly within a short span. Instead, vary your language with synonyms like "lost opportunities" or "squandered opportunities" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "missed chances" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the object of a verb or the subject of a sentence. It refers to the failure to capitalize on available opportunities. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "missed chances" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe situations where opportunities were not taken advantage of. According to Ludwig AI, it is used in a wide range of contexts, particularly in news, sports, and business. While it's generally neutral in tone, it often carries a connotation of regret or criticism. To enhance your writing, be specific about what the missed chances refer to and vary your language to avoid repetition, consider using alternatives like "lost opportunities" or "squandered opportunities".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lost opportunities

Replaces "chances" with "opportunities", emphasizing the loss of a beneficial moment.

untaken opportunities

Simply states that the opportunities were not taken, without adding extra connotation.

squandered opportunities

Adds a sense of wastefulness, suggesting the opportunities were carelessly lost.

wasted opportunities

Similar to "squandered", emphasizing the unproductive use of available chances.

forgone opportunities

Emphasizes that the opportunities were consciously passed up or abandoned.

lost advantage

Shifts the focus to the strategic disadvantage resulting from not seizing the opportunities.

blown opportunities

Suggests a more dramatic or impactful failure to capitalize on the chances.

unseized opportunities

Highlights the failure to grasp or take hold of the available chances.

neglected opportunities

Highlights the lack of attention or effort in pursuing the chances.

spurned opportunities

Implies a rejection or disdain towards the offered chances.

FAQs

How can I use "missed chances" in a sentence?

You can use "missed chances" to describe situations where opportunities were not taken advantage of. For example, "The team lamented their missed chances to score in the first half".

What are some alternatives to "missed chances"?

Alternatives include "lost opportunities", "squandered opportunities", or "forgone opportunities", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "missing chances" instead of "missed chances"?

While "missing chances" might be understood in some contexts, "missed chances" is the more standard and grammatically correct way to express the idea of opportunities that were not seized.

What's the difference between "missed chance" and "missed chances"?

"Missed chance" refers to a single instance where an opportunity was not taken, while "missed chances" refers to multiple such instances. The choice depends on whether you're describing one specific situation or a pattern of missed opportunities.