MISS OUT ON

National Parks

📖 Definition

The phrasal verb 'miss out on' means to lose an opportunity to experience or take advantage of something. This can involve events, experiences, or benefits one might have enjoyed but did not participate in or receive.

Examples in context

📖 Definition

The phrasal verb 'miss out on' means to lose an opportunity to experience or take advantage of something. This can involve events, experiences, or benefits one might have enjoyed but did not participate in or receive.

📝 Grammar Info

Separable
No
The object must come directly after 'miss out on'.
Register
Neutral
Commonly used in both formal and informal contexts.
Transitive
Yes
Requires an object after the phrasal verb.

📊 Conjugation Table

Tense Form Example
Present Simple miss out on I miss out on many social events when I'm busy.
Past Simple missed out on She missed out on the concert last night.
Present Continuous missing out on They're missing out on a great opportunity by not attending.
Present Perfect have missed out on We have missed out on too many chances to travel.

💡 When to Use

Losing an opportunity
Use when someone does not get to experience a beneficial event or opportunity due to absence or inaction.
Example: "He missed out on the job offer because he arrived late."
Missed experiences
To express missing a meaningful or enjoyable experience that others have experienced.
Example: "They missed out on the festival because they were sick."
Timing conflict
Use when a scheduling conflict causes someone to miss a significant event or opportunity.
Example: "She missed out on the meeting due to a prior engagement."

⚠️ Common Mistakes

Omitting 'on'
❌ Wrong: They missed out the conference.
✅ Correct: They missed out on the conference.
💡 Tip: Remember to include 'on' with 'miss out'.
Incorrect object placement
❌ Wrong: He missed the opportunity out on.
✅ Correct: He missed out on the opportunity.
💡 Tip: Place the object immediately after 'on'.
Subject-verb agreement
❌ Wrong: She miss out on events often.
✅ Correct: She misses out on events often.
💡 Tip: Ensure the verb agrees with the subject.
Practice

MISS OUT ON - IN PRACTICE

Study Method Proposal

  1. Listen and repeat the audio as many times as needed to improve your pronunciation
  2. Use the audio as a dictation exercise, trying to write what you hear and understand
  3. Create a new sentence following the structure of the example sentences

Examples in Context

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

overlook bypass

Antonyms

enjoy

Quick Check

Complete the sentence with the correct phrasal verb:

"If you don't hurry, you'll ___ on the best part of the show."

miss
miss out on
miss off
miss over

"In life's journey, never miss out on small joys, for they create the mosaic of happiness we often take for granted."

In Context

In 1969, Neil Armstrong became the first human to set foot on the moon, a monumental achievement in human history. Yet, not everyone was as fortunate. While the world watched in awe, a select group of astronauts in training watched from Earth, realizing they would miss out on this incredible honor. Among them was Joe Engle, who had originally been slated to participate in Apollo missions. Due to unforeseen changes and budget adjustments, many future Apollo missions were canceled, causing Engle to miss out on his chance to fly to the moon. He was eventually reassigned to the Space Shuttle program, an exciting endeavor in its own right, but one that lacked the unique historical impact of the lunar missions. Despite missing out on the lunar landing, Engle went on to fly two successful Space Shuttle missions, becoming one of the few to pilot both the Space Shuttle and X-15 rocket plane. His story is a testament to resilience and adapting to change. Though he missed out on walking on the moon, Engle carved his own legacy in the annals of space exploration, demonstrating that missing out on one opportunity can lead to new paths and achievements.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Miss Out On

What is the origin of miss out on?

+
The phrase 'miss out on' combines 'miss', meaning 'fail to notice, attend, or reach', with 'out on'. It originated in English-speaking countries to express the regret or loss associated with opportunities not taken.

Can miss out on be used in formal and informal contexts?

+
'Miss out on' is versatile, suitable for both formal and informal settings. In formal contexts, it often refers to missed opportunities or experiences, while informally it covers everyday events one fails to experience.

What is the difference between miss out on and overlook?

+
'Miss out on' suggests losing an opportunity, often causing regret, while 'overlook' implies neglecting or failing to notice something, without necessarily missing an opportunity.

Related Phrasal Verbs

Explore more phrasal verbs in our dictionary:

lose out onpass up onskip out onopt out ofsit out on
Browse All National Parks Phrasal Verbs
National Parks Phrasal Verbs - WeeklyCross
Alessandra Nóbrega
About the Author

Alessandra Nóbrega

History teacher who fell in love with English! This passion led me to specialize in languages and work on bilingual education projects. With 37 years in education, I believe learning should be meaningful – not just memorization.

Learn more about my journey



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