The "near-miss effect" refers to a psychological phenomenon where individuals experience a heightened motivation or emotional response after narrowly avoiding a negative outcome. For example, when a person almost wins a lottery but does not, they may feel more encouraged to play again, believing that success is within reach. This effect can lead to increased engagement in certain activities, despite the lack of actual success. This phenomenon is often observed in gambling and gaming contexts, where players may feel excited after a near-win. The near-miss effect can reinforce behaviors, making individuals more likely to continue participating in activities like lottery, slot machines, or sports betting, as they perceive themselves as close to achieving their goals.