Phrasal verb
miss out
Definition
phrasal verb. to lose the chance to do or have something good. You use this when you are not there for an event or opportunity that others enjoy.
phrasal verb. to fail to participate in or take advantage of an opportunity. The verb functions intransitively or as part of a prepositional phrasal verb taking 'on'.
Examples
“Don't wait too long to buy tickets or you might miss out.”
“Because she arrived late to the workshop, she missed out on the most important networking session.”
“While the rest of the industry pivoted toward renewable energy, the firm's refusal to adapt caused them to miss out on significant market growth.”
Examples
simple
“Don't wait too long to buy tickets or you might miss out.”
contextual
“Because she arrived late to the workshop, she missed out on the most important networking session.”
complex
“While the rest of the industry pivoted toward renewable energy, the firm's refusal to adapt caused them to miss out on significant market growth.”
Usage
Commonly used as a standalone verb or followed by the preposition 'on' and a noun.
Teaching tip
Highlight that 'miss out' implies a sense of regret or loss of benefit, whereas 'miss' is more neutral or refers to physical absence.
Pitfall
I don't want to miss out the fun.
I don't want to miss out on the fun.
When followed by an object, 'miss out' requires the preposition 'on' to indicate the opportunity lost.
Phrasal verb
Particles
out
Separability
inseparable
Pattern
miss + out (+ on + object)
Synonyms
Antonyms
Grammar
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
- Level
- B1 · Intermediate
- Updated
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