lose out
Get passed over
To lose out is to fail to get something you wanted or expected, usually because someone else got it instead: I applied for the promotion but lost out to a colleague with more experience.
It emphasizes the competitive element—you didn't just miss an opportunity, you were beaten to it.
Often followed by "on" when specifying what was missed: If you don't act fast, you'll lose out on the deal.
Likelihood of occurrence
- opportunityFavorable circumstance for advancement
- forfeitLose through violation
- bypassedWent around an obstacle
- overlookedNot noticed or considered
sidelined · excluded · deprived · left behind · timing · window · regret · sacrifice
chance
Likelihood of occurrence
- opportunityFavorable circumstance for advancement
- forfeitLose through violation
- bypassedWent around an obstacle
overlooked · sidelined · excluded · deprived · left behind · timing · window · regret · sacrifice · trade-off
disadvantage
Unfavorable circumstance or condition
- defeatVictory over another
- rivalryOngoing contest between opponents
- contestOrganized competitive event
race · bidding · auction · underdog · runner-up · second place · beaten · outbid · outcompeted · narrowly
- losing phrasesgame over, defeated, beaten, take a beating, eliminated