Headway Word of the Week

⇒ Learn more words in the Word of the Week archive

miss

To miss has many meanings, often connected with failing to do something.

• He threw the ball at the target, but it missed.
  ( = he failed to hit it)
• I arrived late, and missed the start of the meeting.
  ( = I failed to be present)
• I'm sorry, I missed what you said.
  ( = I failed to hear)
• The cinema is the first on the left. You can't miss it.
  ( = can't fail to see)
• I really should have accepted the job. I missed my chance.
  ( = I failed to take the opportunity)
• She left early to miss the traffic.
  ( = to avoid)
• There are two pens missing. Have you seen them?
  ( = absent/not present)
• I miss you very much. Please come home.
  ( = feel regret or sadness because someone is absent)

• miss out
  I've missed out the third paragraph because it's not important.
  ( = not included)
  If you don't do it, you'll feel you've missed out.
  ( = missed an opportunity)
  Don't miss out on our latest computer offer.
  ( = miss the opportunity)

• You've missed the point.
  ( = You've misunderstood my argument)
• She missed the boat.
  ( = She was too slow to take advantage of an opportunity)
• She doesn't miss much.
  ( = She is quick to understand what is happening)
  
• Don't worry. You haven't missed much.
  ( = Nothing interesting has happened)
  
• She doesn't miss a trick.
  ( = She is very quick and sharp)
  
• It was too good to miss.
  ( = It was too interesting or cheap to say no to)
  
• I wouldn't miss it for the world.
  ( = I really want to do it/go there)
  
• I'm tired. I think I'll give the gym a miss tonight.
  ( = I won't go on this occasion)

• lose
• fail
• avoid
• regret
  

↑ top ↑

⇒ Learn more words in the Word of the Week archive