Grammar fix
squander an opportunity
waste a valuable chance
To waste a valuable opportunity instead of using it well.
collocation
How oftenNow and then
LevelC1
Used inSpeech & writing
Hear it in context
Notice where the phrase sounds natural.
The company squandered an opportunity to become a leader in the renewable-energy market.
I had a place on an exchange programme in Korea, but I squandered the opportunity by spending most of it with other Vietnamese students.
Fix the pattern
One small grammar move makes it sound right.
Not: He spoiled a great opportunity to work abroad.
Say: He squandered a great opportunity to work abroad.
'Spoil' is for food, children or a surprise; for wasting a chance say 'squander', 'waste' or 'throw away'.
Don't confuse it
Other ways to say it
Miss your big moment by your own fault
How formalCasualMore formal
blow a chanceInformal: lose a chance through a mistake or poor performance.throw awayWaste an available opportunity through your actions or inaction.
squander an opportunityYou're here · More formal: waste a valuable opportunity.