missed connection

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "missed connection" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe a situation where two people fail to meet or communicate as intended, often in a romantic or social context. Example: "I saw you at the coffee shop, but I didn't have the courage to approach you, and now I regret that missed connection."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

36 human-written examples

Generally they don't hold any connecting trains, and a missed connection is an hour's wait.

The Guardian

He was unresponsive, leading to yet another missed connection.

The New York Times

Something about the missed connection freed Paul, and we really talked that night.

The New Yorker

More stops, of course, mean more chances for delays and a missed connection.

The New York Times

A missed connection had stranded me and summarily canceled a meeting the next day in Toronto.

The New York Times

The night before heading to an airport, I angst over a likely missed connection.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

24 human-written examples

A missing photo can easily lead to missed connections.

HuffPost

The lack of connectivity led to a lot of missed connections.

The New York Times

Random missed connections?

The New York Times

The book is full of missed connections.

The Guardian - Books

There will have been missed connections, forged messages, serious misunderstandings.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about a "missed connection", provide enough context to clarify the nature of the missed opportunity (e.g. travel, romance, business).

Common error

Avoid using "misconnection" as a substitute for "missed connection". While "misconnection" might seem logical, "missed connection" is the idiomatic and widely accepted term.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "missed connection" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It describes a specific type of event where an anticipated link or meeting does not occur. Ludwig's examples clarify use in both literal (travel) and figurative (relationships) contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "missed connection" is a noun phrase that describes a failure to meet or connect, either literally (as in travel) or figuratively (as in relationships). Ludwig AI confirms that it's grammatically correct and usable in various contexts. While alternatives like ""lost opportunity"" or ""failed encounter"" exist, "missed connection" has a specific nuance. It is a neutral term and is frequently found in News & Media, making it a common phrase for describing unfortunate or regrettable situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

failed connection

General term, focusing on the lack of connection establishment.

lost opportunity

Broader term encompassing any kind of missed chance, not necessarily involving a personal connection.

failed encounter

Focuses on a specific instance where an interaction did not occur or was unsuccessful.

lost contact

Emphasizes the separation and lack of communication between individuals who were previously connected.

lapse in communication

Highlights a temporary break or failure in the exchange of information.

lost liaison

Emphasizes the end of a romantic relationship or secret affair.

breakdown in relations

Indicates a more significant disruption or severance of a relationship.

severed link

Suggests a forceful or decisive end to a connection.

interrupted exchange

Highlights the fact that the communication was active but was interrupted.

flubbed association

Refers to an unsuccessfully established association.

FAQs

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

You can use "missed connection" to describe a failure to meet someone due to travel issues, like "A "missed connection" in Chicago caused me to arrive late.", or a failure to establish a romantic or personal bond, such as "I regret that "missed connection" at the party."

What's a less literal alternative to "missed connection"?

If you're referring to a missed opportunity rather than a physical meeting, consider using phrases like "lost opportunity" or "failed encounter".

Is "missed connection" formal or informal?

"Missed connection" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, depending on the subject and audience. Avoid it when writing highly formal or scientific texts.

What's the difference between "missed connection" and "lost connection"?

"Missed connection" often refers to an initial failure to connect or meet, while "lost contact" suggests that a connection once existed but was severed. For example, "We had a "missed connection" at the conference because I was late," versus "We lost contact after she moved to another country."