missed opportunity
Squandered potential moment
A missed opportunity is a chance that wasn't taken when it was available.
The phrase implies regret—something good could have happened but didn't because of inaction, poor timing, or failure to recognize the moment: Not buying that stock was a missed opportunity.
Often used in hindsight: The treaty represented a missed opportunity for lasting peace.
- regretSorrow over past actions
- blownMoved by air
- wastedUsed without good result
- squanderedCarelessly used up
- hindsightRecognition after the fact
coulda · shoulda · could have been · timing · too late · slipped away · passed by · fumbled · dropped the ball · botched · bungled · door closed · ship sailed · hesitation · second thoughts · what if · sliding doors · almost
- opportunityonce in a lifetime, golden chance, big break, lucky break, open door
- career mistakesburning bridges, job hopping, bad reference, blaming others, bad attitude
- letdownsletdown, disappointment, anticlimax, dud, flop
- regretswhat if, hindsight, second thoughts, wrong choice, squandered
- unfinished obligationsunfinished business, overdue payment
- timing problemsdelay, lag, timeout, late arrival, late start
missed opportunityseizing the day
Embracing the present moment
capitalizing · lucky break · carpe diem · seized the day · making hay while the sun shines
missed opportunitysuccess
Favorable outcome attained
achievement · triumph · win · breakthrough · accomplishment
missed, missing, misses, opportunity, opportunities, opportune, opportunely, opportunist, opportunistic