Missed
/mɪst/
Definitions
4 meaningsTo fail to hit, catch, reach, or connect with something.
/mɪst/
To fail to hit, catch, reach, or meet something.
The arrow missed the target.
💡 Simply: It's like when you try to high-five someone and they move their hand—you missed! It's not getting something you were aiming for.
👶 For kids: When you try to catch a ball but you don't get it, you missed!
More Examples
I missed my flight because I was late to the airport.
She missed the opportunity to speak at the conference.
How It's Used
"The quarterback missed the pass to his receiver."
"I missed the train this morning."
To feel a sense of longing or sadness because you are not with someone or something that you care about.
/mɪst/
To feel sadness or regret about the absence of someone or something.
I miss my old school.
💡 Simply: It's when you feel a little sad because you wish you could see a friend, your pet, or a favorite place. You *miss* them.
👶 For kids: When you wish you could see your friend or your pet, that means you miss them!
More Examples
We missed our trip to Italy.
They missed their friend when he moved away.
How It's Used
"I missed my family while I was away on vacation."
"She missed the sound of the ocean."
To avoid or escape an unwanted situation or consequence.
/mɪst/
To avoid or escape (something undesirable).
I missed the accident by a few minutes.
💡 Simply: It's like when you're late to work but *miss* getting stuck in traffic. Or when you *miss* a negative consequence!
👶 For kids: When you don't get something bad that was going to happen, like if you missed getting a shot!
More Examples
He missed the deadline for the project.
She missed the worst of the storm.
How It's Used
"I missed the traffic jam by taking a different route."
"She missed taking her medicine this morning."
To fail to notice, hear, or understand something.
/mɪst/
To fail to notice or perceive something.
I missed the important clue.
💡 Simply: When something happens, but you don't see or hear it. It's like when your friend is trying to give you a secret signal but you *miss* it because you're not paying attention.
👶 For kids: When you don't see or hear something that happens. Like when you miss a funny face that someone makes.
More Examples
He missed the sarcasm in her voice.
She missed the deadline for the project.
How It's Used
"I missed her subtle hint."
"He missed the important detail in the contract."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
miss the boat
To fail to take advantage of an opportunity.
"He *missed the boat* on the promotion because he didn't apply in time."
you've missed a good time
Expressing disappointment that someone wasn't present for an enjoyable event.
"Everyone was laughing when you were gone, you've missed a good time!"
From Middle English missen, from Old English missan ('to fail, be mistaken, err'), from Proto-Germanic *missaną ('to err, fail').
Used since Old English, indicating an action of failing or lacking.
Memory tip
Think of a basketball player who doesn't get the ball into the hoop—they *missed* the shot.
Word Origin
"to err, fail"