missing

adjective

miss·​ing ˈmi-siŋ 

1

: absent

a missing tooth

also : lost

my keys are missing

—sometimes used in the phrase go missing

My keys have gone missing.

2

: needed or expected but not included

It's a good sauce, but something is missing.

Synonyms of missing

• lost
• gone
• misplaced

Examples of missing in a Sentence

The new director has provided the missing ingredient that was needed for the show's success.

the missing socks turned up in the dog's special hiding place

Recent Examples on the Web

The implosion of a chemical tank at a pulp and paper mill in southwestern Washington state on Tuesday killed an undisclosed number of people and injured at least 10, while others remained missing, authorities said. —Claire Rush, Los Angeles Times, 26 May 2026

Detroit data was missing because of transaction delays from Wayne County, the most populous county in that metro area. —Phillip Molnar, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 May 2026

Audiences can feel when something is missing, especially when businesses sacrifice authenticity for speed. —Tavares Beverly, Forbes.com, 26 May 2026

Along with speakers and the laying of wreaths in honor of various groups, there was a missing may flyover. —Heather McRea, Oc Register, 25 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing missing

• missing in action
• missing link
• missing person report
• someone doesn't know what he/she is missing

Rhymes for missing

• hissing
• kissing
• characterising
• dismissing
• nipissing
• reminiscing

Kids Definition

missing

adjective

miss·​ing ˈmis-iŋ 

: absent entry 1 sense 1, lost

missing persons

missing in action