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.
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 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 2 May. 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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