missing out

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "missing out" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are referring to something that someone did not do, or did not take advantage of. For example: "John missed out on the chance to learn a new language because he didn't sign up for the class."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

He's missing out!

The New York Times - Travel

"I'm missing out," she added.

The New York Times

"They're missing out on fun.

The New York Times

They're missing out".

The New York Times

Films, especially, he fears missing out on.

The New York Times - Magazine

But are readers missing out?

The Guardian - Books

"I keep missing out," she says.

Independent

"Everyone else is missing out".

The Guardian

I'm missing out on everything.

The New Yorker

They're missing out on something great.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

But you'd be missing out..

The Guardian - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the emotional impact. "Missing out" can imply regret or a sense of loss.

Common error

Don't use "missing out" when referring to something that was never an option or possibility. It implies a lost opportunity, not just a general lack of something.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "missing out" functions as a present participle, often used after auxiliary verbs like 'is', 'are', 'was', 'were' to form continuous verb tenses. As Ludwig AI suggests, it indicates an ongoing state of not participating in something, implying a potential loss or disadvantage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "missing out" is a commonly used verb phrase that indicates a sense of loss or regret associated with not participating in something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely applicable. While it can be used in various contexts, it's particularly prevalent in News & Media, Academia and Science. To ensure clarity and appropriateness, consider the specific nuance you want to convey and explore alternative phrases like "losing out" or "being excluded" if they better suit your intended meaning. Avoiding overuse and focusing on clarity will strengthen your writing. Therefore remember to think that "missing out" implies a lost opportunity, not just a general lack of something.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

losing out

Focuses more on the consequence of not gaining something, rather than the act of absence.

passing up

Suggests a conscious decision to decline an opportunity.

not taking advantage of

Highlights the failure to utilize a benefit or opportunity.

falling short

Emphasizes a failure to meet a required standard or expectation.

forgoing the chance

Emphasizes the lost opportunity more explicitly.

being left out

Focuses on the feeling of exclusion from a group or activity.

being excluded

Highlights the act of being kept out, rather than the individual's choice or circumstance.

neglecting the opportunity

Highlights a careless oversight of the opportunity available.

not participating

Directly states the lack of involvement.

skipping out

Indicates avoiding something, often with a sense of casualness or irresponsibility.

FAQs

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

You can use "missing out" to describe the feeling of regret when someone does not experience or participate in something enjoyable or beneficial. For example, "If you don't attend the conference, you'll be "missing out" on valuable networking opportunities."

What are some alternative ways to say "missing out"?

Alternatives include phrases like "losing out", "being excluded", or "passing up" depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is "missing out" formal or informal language?

"Missing out" is generally considered informal but acceptable in most contexts, including news and media. However, in highly formal or academic writing, consider using a more precise alternative like "failing to capitalize on" or "forgoing the opportunity".

What does "fear of missing out" (FOMO) mean?

"Fear of Missing Out", often shortened to FOMO, is the anxiety or concern that one might be "missing out" on rewarding experiences that others are having, especially as displayed through social media.