verb

versäumen

miss

Etwas nicht tun oder verpassen, weil man es vergisst oder zu spät kommt.

Definition & meaning

The verb versäumen is a German word that generally means to miss, fail to do something, or neglect an opportunity. It is used in several contexts:

Missing an event or deadline: To fail to attend an event or to arrive too late for something (e.g., missing a train or a lecture).
Neglecting an opportunity or action: To fail to take advantage of an opportunity or to neglect to do something that one should have done (e.g., missing a chance or failing to make an important phone call).

Grammar & Word origin

Grammar: It is a regular (weak) verb. Its principal parts are: versäumen (infinitive), versäumte (past), hat versäumt (perfect). It requires the auxiliary verb haben.
Word origin: The word is derived from the prefix ver- (indicating a negative outcome or loss) and the Middle High German soumen, which relates to Saum (hem/border) or Säumen (to delay/hesitate). Historically, it implies losing time or lingering until an opportunity passes.

Synonyms & antonyms

Synonyms:

verpassen (to miss, used more often for physical events like trains or appointments)
versäumnen (less common variant)
auslassen (to omit or skip an opportunity)
versäumen (the term itself)
vernachlässigen (to neglect, often used for tasks or duties)

Antonyms:

wahrnehmen (to perceive, but in this context: to take advantage of an opportunity)
einhalten (to keep or observe, such as a deadline)
erwischen (to catch, e.g., catching a train)
nutzen (to use or take advantage of)