Miss out on Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

Home
/ Dictionary
/ Miss out on

😔

Add to dictionary

miss out on

[ˈmɪs ˈaʊt ɒn ]

Definition

^{Context #1 | Phrasal verb}

informal

To fail to take advantage of an opportunity or experience. To not be involved in something that is enjoyable or beneficial.

Synonyms

forfeit, lose out on, pass up.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
miss out on	Used when someone fails to take advantage of an opportunity or is unable to participate in something enjoyable or beneficial. She missed out on the concert because she was sick. Don't miss out on the summer sale!
lose out on	Used when someone does not get or is deprived of something valuable, often due to circumstances beyond their control. Usually carries a slightly negative connotation. They lost out on the contract due to a clerical error. She lost out on the promotion because of company restructuring.
pass up	Used when someone knowingly decides not to take advantage of an opportunity, generally implying a conscious choice. He passed up the job offer because it required too much travel. I couldn't pass up the chance to study abroad.
forfeit	Used when something is lost or surrendered as a penalty or because of a failure to meet certain conditions. This term often carries a negative connotation. If you break the rules, you may forfeit your prize. He had to forfeit his deposit because he canceled the booking last minute.

Examples of usage

I missed out on the chance to study abroad during college.
Don't miss out on the opportunity to see the new exhibition at the museum.
She decided not to go to the party and ended up missing out on a great time.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Pop Culture

In various songs, the concept of missing out often expresses feelings of regret and longing, making it a relatable theme in music.
Movies often depict characters who 'miss out on' love or adventure, highlighting the importance of seizing the moment.
Social media has amplified the idea of 'missing out,' as users frequently share experiences that others feel left out from.

Psychology

The fear of 'missing out' (FOMO) is a real psychological phenomenon that can lead to anxiety and dissatisfaction with life.
Studies show that people who often feel they miss out tend to have a lower sense of well-being and higher rates of loneliness.
Engaging in activities where one could miss out is prevalent in youth culture, driving behaviors from social media usage to event attendance.

Literature

In literature, themes of missed opportunities often serve as crucial turning points for character development, representing growth or regret.
Classic novels frequently explore the consequences of choices, emphasizing how missing out shapes characters' lives.
Contemporary poetry often encapsulates the feelings of loss and nostalgia associated with missing out on experiences.

Origin of 'miss out on'

Main points about word origin

The phrase 'miss out on' first appeared in English literature around the 19th century, connecting the concepts of missing and opportunities.
The verb 'miss' originates from Old English 'myssan,' meaning to fail to hit or catch.
The word 'out' used in this sense implies being outside a specific opportunity or event.

The phrase 'miss out on' originated in the early 20th century, combining the words 'miss' and 'out' to convey the idea of failing to benefit from something. It gained popularity in informal language usage, particularly in spoken English.