Misses: meaning, definitions and examples

This word is typically used when someone is feeling the absence of a person, place, or thing they care about.

• She misses her family after moving to a new city.
• He misses the days when he used to travel freely.

This word connotes a deep, often melancholic, feeling of wanting something or someone that seems unattainable or distant.

• There was a longing in her eyes as she watched the kids playing.
• His longing for his hometown grew stronger every day.

Similar to 'longing,' this word is used to describe an intense, often unfulfilled, desire for something or someone.

• She felt a yearning to reconnect with old friends.
• His yearning for adventure led him to plan a bold trip.

This word is used to describe a strong feeling of wanting something or someone. It can be used in various situations, whether romantic, material, or aspirational.

• She has a strong desire to become an artist.
• His desire for success drives him to work hard.

Use this when someone fails to hit a target or notice something.

• He repeatedly misses the target during practice.
• She always misses the key points in the meeting.

Generally used to describe incorrect actions or decisions due to lack of knowledge or attention. It carries a less formal and less severe connotation compared to 'errors'.

• I made a mistake in my math homework.
• Forgetting her birthday was a big mistake.

This word carries a stronger negative connotation and is used when someone or something does not achieve the desired outcome or end result.

• The experiment was a complete failure.
• His repeated failures in business have left him discouraged.

Best used in situations involving incorrect actions, calculations, or decisions, especially in formal or technical contexts.

• The software program has multiple errors that need to be fixed.
• A clerical error caused the discrepancy in the report.