FOMO: meaning, examples and when to use it
Short answer: “FOMO” means the worry that friends are having fun without you. It stands for “fear of missing out”: “I felt FOMO when I saw the photos.”
What does “FOMO” mean in English?
FOMO is the uncomfortable feeling that others are enjoying something and you are not there. It often happens when you look at photos or posts online. You say it as a word: “fomo”.
Examples of “FOMO”
- I felt FOMO when I saw the photos of the trip.
Seeing others online. - She stayed late at the party because of FOMO.
A reason for an action. - I put my phone away to stop the FOMO.
A way to deal with it.
When do you use “FOMO”?
- When you worry about missing something fun.
- In casual chat and online.
- To explain why you said yes to a plan.
Is “FOMO” safe to use?
“FOMO” is very informal slang, but it is widely understood. It is for casual speech and writing with friends. In a formal text, write “fear of missing out” in full. It is not one of the six words that carry a warning label. Slang changes fast, so its meaning can change.
Common mistakes with “FOMO”
- It is a feeling, so say “I have FOMO”, not “I do FOMO”.
- Write the letters in capitals: FOMO.
- It is about missing out, not about being alone.
Similar expressions
- A word in the same group: “ghosted”. See slang about friends and feelings.
Questions
What does “FOMO” mean in English?
“FOMO” means the worry that friends are having fun without you. It stands for “fear of missing out”: “I felt FOMO when I saw the photos.”
Is “FOMO” safe to use?
“FOMO” is very informal slang, but it is widely understood. It is for casual speech and writing with friends. In a formal text, write “fear of missing out” in full. It is not one of the six words that carry a warning label. Slang changes fast, so its meaning can change.
What does FOMO stand for?
It stands for “fear of missing out”.
Is FOMO a feeling or an action?
It is a feeling: you worry that friends are having fun without you.
Part of the English slang guide and of slang about friends and feelings, in the 🗣️ Teen Talk tool.
Written for English learners by the English for Fun team. How we write our lessons · Last updated 2026-11-05.