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Missed Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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missed

[mษชst ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

emotion

to fail to hit, reach, catch, or otherwise make contact with something

Synonyms

fail to hit, fall short of, not make contact with.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
missed

Use this term when someone or something was not reached or obtained as expected. It generally doesn't carry a negative connotation unless linked to something significant.

  • He missed the bus this morning
  • She missed her chance to speak at the meeting
fail to hit

This phrase is often used in situations involving a target, highlighting the lack of success in making contact with a specific goal or object.

  • The archer failed to hit the bullseye
  • He failed to hit the baseball thrown at him
fall short of

This expression is best used to describe instances where an effort or attempt did not meet the required or expected standard.

  • Their performance fell short of the audience's expectations
  • The donations fell short of the target amount
not make contact with

This phrase can be used in more formal or specific contexts where physical contact was expected but did not happen.

  • The spaceship did not make contact with the satellite
  • He did not make contact with the ball during his swing

Examples of usage

  • He missed the target by a few inches.
  • I missed the bus this morning because I overslept.
Context #2 | Verb

opportunity

to fail to attend, participate in, or take advantage of something

Synonyms

fail to attend, neglect, overlook.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
missed

Use this when referring to an event or opportunity that someone did not attend or did not take advantage of.

  • She missed the bus this morning.
  • He missed his chance to speak with the CEO.
fail to attend

This phrase is more formal and is typically used in professional or academic settings to indicate that someone did not attend an expected event.

  • The student failed to attend the mandatory meeting.
  • Employees must not fail to attend training sessions.
overlook

Apply this when referring to something that was not noticed or was unintentionally ignored.

  • He overlooked the error in the report.
  • She overlooked the importance of the deadline.
neglect

This term has a negative connotation and is used when someone fails to take care of or give proper attention to something or someone.

  • She neglected her responsibilities at work.
  • He neglected to water the plants for weeks.

Examples of usage

  • She missed the meeting due to a prior commitment.
  • Don't miss this opportunity to apply for the scholarship.
Context #3 | Noun

feeling

a feeling of sadness or regret about not being able to be present or do something

Synonyms

disappointment, regret, sadness.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
missed

This term is commonly used to express that an opportunity, event, or someone was not encountered or experienced.

  • I missed the last bus home.
  • You missed the point of the lecture.
regret

This term indicates a feeling of sadness or repentance over something that has happened or been done, often something one wishes could be undone.

  • I regret not spending more time with my family.
  • He felt a deep regret for his harsh words.
sadness

This term is used to describe a state of feeling sorrowful or unhappy, often in response to a disappointing or regrettable event.

  • There was a sense of sadness in the air after the news of the accident.
  • She couldnโ€™t hide her sadness over the loss of her pet.
disappointment

This term is used to describe the feeling of sadness or displeasure caused by the non-fulfillment of one's hopes or expectations.

  • She felt a deep sense of disappointment after the job interview.
  • The team's loss brought great disappointment to their fans.

Examples of usage

  • I have a sense of missed opportunities in my life.
  • Her absence left a void in the team, a feeling of missed potential.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Missing out can lead to feelings of regret or sadness, impacting emotional well-being.
  • Studies show that people often dwell on missed opportunities more than the successes they achieve.
  • The fear of missing out, commonly known as FOMO, influences social behaviors and decision-making.

Pop Culture

  • The phrase 'You miss 100% of the shots you donโ€™t take' is widely quoted, emphasizing the need to act to avoid missing opportunities.
  • In music, songs often express themes of longing and missing someone, deeply resonate with listeners, and evoke strong feelings.
  • Movies often portray the dramatic moment of characters missing a crucial moment, heightening suspense and emotional stakes.

Education

  • Students might experience anxiety about missing classes, affecting their grades and social life.
  • Educators focus on creating engaging environments to minimize student absences, thereby reducing 'missed' learning opportunities.
  • The concept of missed opportunities often emphasizes the importance of active participation and engagement in learning.

Language

  • In communication, saying you 'missed' someone conveys a sense of emotional connection or longing.
  • The word can be applied in various contexts, from sports to personal relationships, indicating something was not attained or experienced.
  • In idiomatic expressions, 'missed the boat' indicates failing to take advantage of an opportunity.

Origin of 'missed'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Old English 'missan,' which means to fail to hit or reach.
  • In Middle English, the term 'missed' evolved to express both physical and metaphorical failures.
  • The concept of missing can also relate to emotional or personal experiences, such as missing someone when they are away.

The word 'missed' originated from Middle English 'missen', meaning 'to fail to hit or reach'. It has been used in English since the 12th century. Over time, 'missed' has evolved to encompass a broader range of meanings, including emotional and opportunity-related contexts. The term reflects human experiences of longing, regret, and the sense of unfulfilled potential.

See also: dismiss, miss, misses, missile, mission, missive, remiss.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #4,376, this word represents useful upper-intermediate vocabulary. Understanding and using it will help you express more complex ideas effectively.