could've been
- might'veContraction of possibility past
- should'vePast obligation unfulfilled
- would'veContracted conditional auxiliary
- almostShort of completely
- nearlyAlmost but incomplete
regret · hindsight · missed · opportunity · lost · chance · alternate · possibility · wistful · longing · what-if · close · bittersweet · nostalgia · unrealized · potential · dream · imagined