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.

Synonyms of missing

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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.
Officials are relying on reports from the families of victims and survivors in an attempt to determine the number of those missing. — ABC News, 3 Aug. 2026 Savannah Guthrie shared another emotional message Saturday morning, marking six months since her mother, Nancy Guthrie, went missing, as authorities continue to search for answers in the case. — Lexi Carson, HollywoodReporter, 1 Aug. 2026 The Pima County Sheriff’s Department released two ransom notes on Friday related to the missing-person case, hoping the public might recognize the writing style. — Alejandra Gularte, Vulture, 1 Aug. 2026 But in Hawaii and Alaska, where military action took place during WWII, there are more missing soldiers. — Hope McKenney, NPR, 1 Aug. 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

Phrases Containing missing

Rhymes for missing

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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 5 Aug. 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

More from Merriam-Webster on missing

Nglish: Translation of missing for Spanish Speakers

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