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

Not only is that a rare kind of intentionality, but the federal government has gone missing. — Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 23 Aug. 2026

His solid on-base percentage and Gold Glove-caliber defense could compensate only so much for his early lack of power, a previously missing element in what the Cubs projected to be a dynamic lineup. — Patrick Mooney, New York Times, 23 Aug. 2026

The body of a missing 63-year-old grandmother from New York City was found near Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas, police said Friday. — Dennis Romero, NBC news, 22 Aug. 2026

What was missing, however, was its own identity and a sense of warmth. — Valentina Lonati, Architectural Digest, 22 Aug. 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