# miss out

CEFR B1 · Phrasal verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/miss-out
Updated: 2026-10-22

## Definition

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.

For teachers: 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.

## Pitfalls

- Not "I don't want to miss out the fun." but "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.

## Usage notes

- 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.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.