missing

adjective

miss·​ing ˈmi-siŋ How to pronounce missing (audio)
Synonyms of missingnext
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.

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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 See All Example Sentences for missing

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of missing was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Missing.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/missing. Accessed 27 May. 2026.

Kids Definition

missing

adjective
miss·​ing ˈmis-iŋ How to pronounce missing (audio)
: absent entry 1 sense 1, lost
missing persons
missing in action

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