opportunity missed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "opportunity missed" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to describe a situation where a chance for success or improvement was not taken. For example, "The team reflected on the opportunity missed during the last quarter." Alternative expressions include "missed chance" and "lost opportunity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Opportunity missed.

University of California, Berkeley

So, another opportunity missed.

The New Yorker

Is that an opportunity missed?

The New York Times

Bayliss recognised an opportunity missed.

Independent

Another opportunity missed!

The New York Times

What an opportunity missed".

The New York Times - Sports

Great opportunity missed.

The Washington Post

That was the real opportunity missed here.

The New York Times

It is an opportunity missed.

The Guardian

Big opportunity missed by Cleveland.

The Guardian - Sport

In short, it's a great opportunity missed.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "opportunity missed" to succinctly convey that a chance for improvement, progress, or success was not taken. It is often more impactful than a longer, more descriptive phrase.

Common error

While "opportunity missed" is appropriate in many settings, avoid using it excessively in casual conversations. Opt for simpler language unless you specifically want to emphasize the significance of the missed chance.

Linguistic Context

"Opportunity missed" functions as a noun phrase functioning as a subject complement, often used to describe a situation or event where a potential benefit or advantage was not realized. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and frequent usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "opportunity missed" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase that describes a situation where a chance for improvement or success was not taken. According to Ludwig, this phrase is commonly found in news and media, academic, and science contexts, reflecting a neutral to slightly formal register. While versatile, it's important to consider the specific nuance you wish to convey and choose alternatives like "chance squandered" or "potential unfulfilled" when appropriate. Overall, it is a powerful tool for concisely expressing regret or criticism when potential is left unrealized.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

failed to capitalize

Directly points out the inaction in leveraging a positive circumstance.

chance squandered

Emphasizes the wasteful aspect of not taking advantage of an opportunity.

window closed

Indicates that the time for taking action has expired.

lost advantage

Focuses on the loss of a beneficial position or situation.

moment lost

Highlights the passing of a crucial instant.

potential unfulfilled

Highlights the lack of realization of an inherent possibility.

advantage forfeited

Emphasizes that a favorable condition was given up or lost through inaction.

occasion passed

Highlights that a specific instance or moment was not used.

lapse in judgment

Implicates a flawed decision that led to missing the opportunity.

untapped resource

Suggests that a valuable asset or capability remained unused.

FAQs

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

You can use "opportunity missed" to indicate that a chance for something positive was not taken. For example, "The company's failure to invest in new technology was an "opportunity missed" to gain a competitive advantage."

What are some alternatives to "opportunity missed"?

Some alternatives include "chance squandered", "potential unfulfilled", or "lost advantage", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "opportunity missed" and "opportunity lost"?

While similar, "opportunity missed" often implies a failure to act, whereas "opportunity lost" can suggest that the chance is gone regardless of action. For instance, an "opportunity lost" might refer to a market shift that makes a past opportunity impossible to recreate.

When is it appropriate to use "opportunity missed" in writing?

The phrase "opportunity missed" is suitable for expressing regret or criticism regarding a failure to capitalize on a chance. It works well in news articles, academic papers, and business reports where a formal yet impactful tone is desired.