What are the definitions of “miss out on”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Lose a chance, fail to achieve.
Trudy MISSED OUT ON the promotion.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “miss out on”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb miss out on is to lose a chance or fail to achieve something. It often refers to not being able to take advantage of an opportunity or not being able to participate in an event or activity.
What are the different verb forms of “miss out on”?
| Root Verb | miss out on |
| Third Person Singular Present | misses out on |
| Present Participle | missing out on |
| Simple Past | missed out on |
| Past Participle | missed out on |
Example
I don't want to miss out on the concert tonight.
Example
She always misses out on the best sales.
Example
He is missing out on a great opportunity by not applying for the job.
Example
They missed out on the chance to meet their favorite author.
Example
I have missed out on so many events because of my busy schedule.
What kind of phrasal verb is “miss out on”?
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a transitive and intransitive verb? - A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.) - An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)
Transitive verb
“miss out on” is a transitive phrasal verb because it requires a direct object to complete its meaning. The direct object specifies what is being removed, obtained, or eliminated.
Example
She missed out on the promotion.
Example
He missed out on the chance to travel abroad.
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb? - A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle. - An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.
Inseparable
“miss out on” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.
Example
She missed out on the promotion.
Example
He missed out on the chance to travel abroad.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “miss out on”?
Miss out on life
Not experiencing life to the fullest, often due to focusing too much on work or other responsibilities.
Example
Don't work so hard that you miss out on life and all its joys.
Miss out on the fun
Not being able to participate in enjoyable activities or events.
Example
If you don't come to the party, you'll miss out on all the fun.
Miss out on an opportunity
Not taking advantage of a chance to do something beneficial or advantageous.
Example
By not applying for the scholarship, she missed out on a great opportunity.
Good things to know
Does “miss out on” have an informal or formal tone?
Miss out on is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is commonly used in everyday conversations and can also be used in more formal settings, such as in business or academic discussions.
