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

In a new interview with Diane, Bristol Myers Squibb CEO Chris Boerner talks about his plan to navigate the company’s looming patent cliff, and how a focus on company culture was the missing piece. —Diane Brady, Fortune, 9 Dec. 2025

Another person was still in the hospital, while the authorities were searching for another missing person, a spokesperson for the emergency services told Agence France-Presse. —CBS News, 8 Dec. 2025

Saturday morning’s event included a wreath-laying, a two-bell ceremony and a ceremonial missing man flyover, along with music from the Pomerado Community Band. —Maura Fox, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Dec. 2025

Landing and charging sites remain the missing link. —Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 7 Dec. 2025

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