missing

adjective

miss·​ing ˈmi-siŋ 

: absent

also : lost

missing in action

Synonyms

• 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

The twin bells at Urakami Cathedral, which was destroyed in the bombing, also rang together again after one of the bells that had gone missing following the attack was restored by volunteers. —Mari Yamaguchi, Chicago Tribune, 9 Aug. 2025

The Sheriff’s Office was notified shortly before 10 p.m. Thursday that Odin Upton had gone missing from his home near Browning Road in Gentry, according to the release. —Arkansas Online, 8 Aug. 2025

The Fort Worth Police Department is asking for the public’s help locating an 83-year-old man who went missing Wednesday, according to a Facebook post. —Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 Aug. 2025

University of Wisconsin-Madison alum and journalist Alec Luhn, who went missing while hiking in a Norwegian national park, has been found alive, the Red Cross confirmed. —Jack Albright, jsonline.com, 6 Aug. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing missing

• go 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