missing

1 of 2

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.
see also:
go missing

missing

2 of 2

present participle of miss entry 1

Synonyms of missing

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Adjective

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Examples of missing in a Sentence

Adjective 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.
Adjective
More than 1,000 people have been confirmed dead and thousands remain missing after the catastrophe, according to authorities in both countries. — Simone McCarthy, CNN Money, 6 Sep. 2026 After a 30-minute search, crews located the missing paddleboarder, who had been dragged two miles offshore. — Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 5 Sep. 2026 Families in southern Lebanon shower returning prisoners with rose petals, even as dozens more detainees remain missing and villages describe fresh Israeli raids, arrests and a climate of deep uncertainty. — Fadi Tawil, Los Angeles Times, 4 Sep. 2026 Rescue teams in Nepal pulled two workers alive from a hydropower tunnel nine days after catastrophic floods swept through the country, leaving more than 1,000 people dead and thousands more missing. — James Cirrone, FOXNews.com, 4 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for missing

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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

Phrases Containing missing

Rhymes for missing

See All Rhymes for missing

Browse Nearby Words

missilery
missing
missing in action
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Missing.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/missing. Accessed 7 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

missing

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