missed out

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "missed out" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that someone has not been included in a particular activity or not been able to take advantage of an opportunity. For example, "I'm sorry you missed out on getting tickets to the concert, they sold out really quickly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"He missed out," Ward said.

The New York Times - Sports

You missed out luxurious.

The Guardian - Books

Still, they had missed out on something.

The New York Times

I really missed out on that action".

The New Yorker

(He also missed out on the Booker).

The New Yorker

But have I missed out this year?

Independent

Have we missed out your favourite?

Independent

That's one we missed out on".

The New York Times

Who have we missed out?

The Guardian - Music

She missed out my mouth.

The Guardian - Arts

Missed out on El Bulli?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "missed out", ensure the context clearly indicates what was missed. For example, "She missed out on the promotion because she lacked experience."

Common error

Avoid using incorrect prepositions after "missed out". It's almost always followed by "on". For example, don't say "missed out in" or "missed out at".

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "missed out" primarily functions as a verb expressing a failure to experience something or a lost opportunity. This aligns with Ludwig's examples which demonstrates its usage in different contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

13%

Science

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "missed out" is a versatile phrasal verb used to express that someone has not had the opportunity to experience something or has been excluded from it. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage. Predominantly found in News & Media, it maintains a neutral tone suitable for various registers, from formal to informal. When using "missed out", always ensure to use "on" afterwards and clarify what specific opportunity was lost.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

were left out

Emphasizes the feeling of being excluded or not included.

passed up

Indicates a deliberate choice not to take advantage of an opportunity.

missed the boat

An idiomatic expression indicating a missed opportunity that is unlikely to return.

lost the chance

Highlights the loss of an opportunity due to circumstances or timing.

were deprived of

Indicates a loss or denial of something important.

were excluded from

Focuses on the act of being kept out of an activity or event.

were unable to experience

Focuses on the lack of a particular experience.

forfeited

Suggests a loss due to a rule, error, or failure to meet a requirement.

failed to capitalize on

Highlights a failure to take advantage of a beneficial situation.

did not participate

Simply states the lack of involvement in something.

FAQs

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

You can use "missed out" to express that someone didn't have the chance to experience something, such as "I "missed out" on the concert because I was sick."

What's a simple way to say "missed out"?

A simpler way to say "missed out" is to use phrases like "were left out" or "lost the chance".

Which is correct: "missed out on" or "missed out in"?

The correct phrase is "missed out on". The preposition "on" is essential for the correct meaning. Saying "missed out in" is grammatically incorrect.

What's the difference between "miss out" and ""missed out""?

"Miss out" is the infinitive form, while ""missed out"" is the past tense form. Use ""missed out"" when referring to something that has already happened.