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

Brian Hooker was initially detained by Bahamian authorities after Lynette was reported missing, but he was later released. —Kelsie Cairns , Sarah Rumpf-Whitten, FOXNews.com, 2 June 2026

McGregor will play Rachel Amber, the student who goes missing. —Joe Otterson, Variety, 2 June 2026

There is no mention of the stripper Magick (Rosalía), no callbacks to friends Kat or the late Ashtray (Javon Walton) or even the missing Elliot (Dominic Fike). —Ct Jones, Rolling Stone, 2 June 2026

The area of the discovery, about 6 miles from Casias’ home, can be reached by a state highway, which she was seen walking along the day she was reported missing. —Dennis Romero, NBC news, 1 June 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