To save this word, you'll need to log in.
Definition of missing in action
: 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 inactiveMost readers expect an encyclopedia to give the judgment of scholars—a group largely missing in action here.— Julia Vitullo-MartinThe movie itself has just resurfaced after having been missing in action for some time. — Video ReviewBut lots of hair had turned gray (my own included); lots more was missing in action.— Joseph Epstein
Keep scrolling for more
Comments on missing in action
What made you want to look up missing in action? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Test Your Vocabulary
Pass the Little Ribbons: A Pasta Word Quiz
- Match the pasta to its meaning in English: Rotelle
Can you spell these 10 commonly misspelled words?
TAKE THE QUIZ
Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.
TAKE THE QUIZLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridgedWords at Play
Ask the Editors
Word Games
- Pass the Little Ribbons: A Pasta Word Quiz
Match the pasta with its meaning in Italian.
Take the quiz - Confusing Words—A Quiz
Test your knowledge of these commonly confused words!
Take the quiz - Spell It
Can you spell these 10 commonly misspelled words?
Take the quiz - Syn City
Build a city of skyscrapers—one synonym at a time.
Play the game
Share missing in action
Resources for missing in action