missing in action
adjective
: missing and unable to be confirmed as captured or killed following military action
a soldier who was declared missing in action
The 1st Cavalry Division casualties in Operation PERSHING totalled 852 troopers killed in action, 22 missing in action, 286 killed in noncombat circumstances …—
Shelby L. Stanton
—often used figuratively for someone or something notably or unexpectedly missing, absent, or inactiveShelby L. StantonMost readers expect an encyclopedia to give the judgment of scholars—a group largely missing in action here.—Julia Vitullo-Martin
Julia Vitullo-MartinThe movie itself has just resurfaced after having been missing in action for some time.—Video Review
Video ReviewBut lots of hair had turned gray (my own included); lots more was missing in action.—Joseph Epstein
Joseph EpsteinExamples of missing in action in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Joey remains missing in action this season, but at least one character claims to talk to him all the time - Bernie.
—Ryan Coleman, EW.com, 28 May 2025
Arkansas has 854 soldiers, sailors and airmen missing in action in conflicts from World War II through the end of the Cold War -- people who saw battle, but haven't been identified and returned to their families for burial.
—Brett Barrouquere, Arkansas Online, 26 May 2025
Earlier this year, a 23-year-old U.S. soldier who went missing in action during an aquatic mission in Italy during World War II was accounted for.
—Stephen Smith
may 21, CBS News, 21 May 2025
After David and Victoria Beckham’s oldest son, Brooklyn was missing in action (and all pics) at dad’s 50th birthday party at Cipriani Downtown last month, tongues began to wag.
—Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 7 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for missing in action
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Ryan Coleman, EW.com, 28 May 2025
Arkansas has 854 soldiers, sailors and airmen missing in action in conflicts from World War II through the end of the Cold War -- people who saw battle, but haven't been identified and returned to their families for burial.
—Brett Barrouquere, Arkansas Online, 26 May 2025
Earlier this year, a 23-year-old U.S. soldier who went missing in action during an aquatic mission in Italy during World War II was accounted for.
—Stephen Smith
may 21, CBS News, 21 May 2025
After David and Victoria Beckham’s oldest son, Brooklyn was missing in action (and all pics) at dad’s 50th birthday party at Cipriani Downtown last month, tongues began to wag.
—Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 7 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for missing in action
Cite this Entry
“Missing in action.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/missing%20in%20action. Accessed 16 Jun. 2025.
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