Definition

1. Noun:
   • An incident where a collision or accident almost happens but is narrowly avoided: A "near miss" describes a situation where two or more objects, vehicles, or people come dangerously close to colliding or having an accident, but no actual impact or harm occurs.
   • A result that is close to being successful but ultimately fails: In broader contexts, especially in business, sports, or goal-oriented activities, a "near miss" can refer to an attempt or outcome that almost achieves its objective but falls just short.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The two planes had a near miss over the airport, coming within 100 feet of each other.
  • The cyclist swerved at the last second; it was a real near miss with the truck.
  • Our sales target was a near miss this quarter; we were only 2% short.

Advanced Usage

• In safety and risk management: The term is formally used to describe an unplanned event that did not result in injury, illness, or damage but had the potential to do so. Reporting "near misses" is crucial for preventing future accidents.

  • The factory encourages employees to report all near misses to improve workplace safety.

• As a modifier: It can be used adjectivally before a noun.

  • The investigation focused on the near-miss incident reported by air traffic control.

Variants and Related Words

• Near-collision (n): A very similar term specifically emphasizing the almost-accident.
  • The near-collision was caused by a signaling error.
• Close call (n, informal): A common synonym for a narrowly avoided accident.
  • That was a close call! You almost dropped the vase.

Synonyms

• Close shave (n, informal): A very narrow escape from danger or trouble.
• Narrow escape (n): An avoidance of danger or failure by only a small margin.

Related Phrases

• To have a near miss: The standard verb phrase for experiencing such an event.
  • We had a near miss on the highway when a car suddenly changed lanes.

Related Idioms

• A miss is as good as a mile: This idiom conveys that failing by a small margin is still a failure. It is conceptually related to the "near miss" meaning of almost succeeding.
  • He didn't qualify for the finals by 0.1 seconds. Oh well, a miss is as good as a mile.

Noun

1. an accidental collision that is narrowly avoided