we lost out on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we lost out on" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a missed opportunity or failure to gain something desirable. Example: "Due to the last-minute changes, we lost out on a significant contract that could have boosted our revenue."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

We lost out on that networking".

The Guardian

"We didn't feel a sense of we lost out on something," Ms. Marshall said.

The New York Times

We lost out on the first shop we looked at after shelling out over £800 for a survey.

The Guardian - Books

We lost out on that as a whole generation didn't take up the skill," he says in an interview from his Maine home.

Forbes

"We lost out on a generation of brilliant men," Smokes says.

Vice

"I thought I had a goalkeeper but we lost out on that one.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

Rather, she shared her thoughts about the suckerpunch feeling we've all experienced when we've lost out on something that we worked for and wanted.

The Guardian - Music

"Each launch we lose out on is a lost opportunity to gain experience, and the longer the delay goes on, the more likely it is that the United States will look to other alternatives and lose interest here".

The New York Times

We lost out by two or three spots on line the first time we tried.

The New York Times

And we lose out on creating meaningful careers and lives.

Harvard Business Review

"And then we lose out on an education – it just doesn't seem fair".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "we lost out on", follow with a specific noun or noun phrase that details what was missed, such as "the contract", "the promotion", or "valuable experience".

Common error

Avoid using "we lost out on" without clearly defining what the loss entails. Be specific about what was missed or not gained to prevent ambiguity and ensure the reader understands the significance of the loss.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we lost out on" functions as a phrasal verb expressing a missed opportunity or a failure to obtain something desirable. It typically connects a subject (we) with a specific loss or missed benefit. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "we lost out on" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to denote a missed opportunity or failure to secure something desirable. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's appropriate for diverse contexts, particularly in news and media. When using this phrase, clarity is key; ensure the context clearly identifies what was lost or missed. While versatile, "we lost out on" maintains a relatively neutral tone, suitable for both formal and informal communication. Alternatives include "we missed out on" and "we failed to secure", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we missed out on

Synonymous; emphasizes the feeling of missing an opportunity.

we failed to secure

Highlights the lack of success in obtaining something.

we were unsuccessful in acquiring

More formal; emphasizes the attempt and subsequent failure.

we didn't get

Informal and direct; indicates a lack of attainment.

we were defeated in the pursuit of

Emphasizes the competition and loss.

we were unable to obtain

Formal; highlights the inability to acquire something.

we were deprived of

Suggests that something was taken away or withheld.

we forfeited the chance for

Highlights the loss of an opportunity through inaction or circumstance.

we relinquished our claim to

Emphasizes giving up a right or expectation.

we passed up

Implies a conscious decision not to pursue something.

FAQs

What does "we lost out on" mean?

The phrase "we lost out on" means that a group or entity failed to obtain something desirable or missed an opportunity. It conveys a sense of disappointment or regret for the missed chance.

What can I say instead of "we lost out on"?

You can use alternatives like "we missed out on", "we failed to secure", or "we were unsuccessful in acquiring" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "we lost out on"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct to say "we lost out on". Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

How to use "we lost out on" in a sentence?

You can use "we lost out on" in a sentence to express a missed opportunity or failure to gain something desirable. For example, "Due to the last-minute changes, "we lost out on" a significant contract that could have boosted our revenue."