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

Three of the vehicles that Gonzalez was transporting have been located in parts of Florida since Gonzalez went missing, agents say. —David Goodhue, Miami Herald, 28 Apr. 2026

The missing tooth is replaced with a good-quality material. —K.h. Koehler, USA Today, 28 Apr. 2026

Meanwhile, Limon and Bristy are officially reported missing. —Rebekah Riess, CNN Money, 28 Apr. 2026

Gonzalez has since been unreachable and the truck was reported missing. —Garfield Hylton, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 Apr. 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