missing

adjective

miss·​ing ˈmi-siŋ How to pronounce missing (audio)
Synonyms of missingnext
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.

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
This missing piece—SKU-level data—is the secret sauce that can reveal true intelligence about a bank’s customers. Jordan Glazier, Forbes.com, 23 June 2026 The missing painting was reported to police and logged with the Art Loss Register shortly after its theft. Maximilíano Durón, ARTnews.com, 23 June 2026 Before the giraffes were reported missing, state officials were looking into relocating four giraffes from the zoo after about 100 animals were seized during an investigation into animal abuse. Saman Shafiq, USA Today, 22 June 2026 Savannah continues to ask the public for help locating her missing mother, while an imposter who sent fraudulent ransom demands has been arrested. Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 22 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for missing

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of missing was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Missing.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/missing. Accessed 25 Jun. 2026.

Kids Definition

missing

adjective
miss·​ing ˈmis-iŋ How to pronounce missing (audio)
: absent entry 1 sense 1, lost
missing persons
missing in action

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