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

Iranian missile and drone strikes on US forces in Jordan and Iraq have left at least three US troops dead, another missing, and more wounded. — Hanna Ziady, CNN Money, 20 July 2026

The viral beauty launch from Cardi B nourishes hair on wash day, whereas Shakira’s latest spray is the multitasker your vanity was missing. — Jackie Fields, PEOPLE, 19 July 2026

Their soft tissue powderized ages ago, and some bones are now missing, including all of the princesses’ skulls. — Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 17 July 2026

Electric air taxis have moved steadily toward commercial service, but charging infrastructure remains one of the industry’s biggest missing pieces. — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 17 July 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