opportunity lost

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "opportunity lost" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where a chance or possibility has been missed or not taken advantage of. Example: "The decision to not invest in the new technology was an opportunity lost for the company."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

All that opportunity lost.

The New Yorker

What was the opportunity lost?

The New York Times

"It was an opportunity lost".

The New York Times - Science

It was another opportunity lost.

The New York Times - Sports

"Another opportunity lost.

The New York Times - Sports

It is a national opportunity lost.

The Guardian - Opinion

Many reviews spoke of opportunity lost.

The New York Times

Just coasting would be an opportunity lost.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It would be a technology opportunity lost".

The New York Times

This represented "a big opportunity lost," he said.

The New York Times

"I know it was an opportunity lost," Stosur said.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the emotional impact of the loss. Was it a minor setback or a significant failure? Tailor your language to reflect the true weight of the situation.

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the importance of the "opportunity lost". Ensure the language used reflects the actual impact. Overstating can diminish the credibility of your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "opportunity lost" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It describes a specific state or event where a favorable possibility was not realized. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Sports

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Reference

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "opportunity lost" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase used to express regret or disappointment over a missed chance. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in various contexts. Predominantly found in News & Media and Sports reporting, it maintains a neutral to professional register. Related phrases include "missed chance" and "squandered opportunity". When using this phrase, clarity is key: clearly articulate the lost opportunity and its potential consequences. Avoid exaggeration to maintain credibility. Understanding these nuances ensures effective and impactful communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

missed chance

Simple replacement of "opportunity" with "chance", maintaining the core meaning of a missed possibility.

lost chance

Similar to "missed chance", this alternative emphasizes the state of being lost rather than the action of missing.

squandered opportunity

Adds the element of wastefulness or negligence to the missed chance.

wasted opportunity

Similar to "squandered opportunity", highlighting the fruitless use of a chance.

forfeited opportunity

Emphasizes the act of giving up or losing the chance, often due to a rule or circumstance.

unclaimed opportunity

Highlights the fact that the opportunity was available but not taken.

failed to capitalize

Focuses on the lack of action to take advantage of a positive circumstance.

golden opportunity missed

Adds the idea of a particularly valuable or advantageous chance being lost.

chance slipped away

Illustrates the idea of the chance disappearing without being seized

potential unrealized

Shifts the focus to the unfulfilled potential resulting from the missed opportunity.

FAQs

How to use "opportunity lost" in a sentence?

You can use "opportunity lost" to describe a situation where a chance to achieve something positive was missed. For example: "The company's failure to invest in research and development was a major "opportunity lost"".

What can I say instead of "opportunity lost"?

Alternatives include "missed chance", "lost chance", or "squandered opportunity", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "opportunity lost" a formal or informal phrase?

"Opportunity lost" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Its appropriateness depends more on the surrounding language and the overall tone of the writing.

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

While very similar, "opportunity lost" emphasizes the state of the opportunity being gone, whereas "opportunity missed" focuses on the action of failing to take advantage of it. They are often interchangeable, but the subtle difference can influence the overall emphasis.