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

Haltom City police did not clarify the 2-year period during which the child was allegedly missing and not reported. —S.e. Jenkins, CBS News, 21 Apr. 2026

Madonna posted an Instagram Story with photos showing off the currently missing items. —Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 21 Apr. 2026

In a statement to Fox News Digital, the FBI confirmed the agency is working alongside other federal authorities in the investigation into the 11 missing and deceased scientists. —Julia Bonavita, FOXNews.com, 21 Apr. 2026

Elderly residents face physical obstacles like climbing stairs in buildings without working elevators, while discovering cherished items destroyed or missing. —Kanis Leung, Los Angeles Times, 20 Apr. 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