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.
At the same time, a mysterious presence — known only as the Leather Man — and an Army private (Melton) seeks vengeance after his own daughter goes missing. Ellise Shafer, Variety, 19 May 2026 They were killed by Victoire’s own brothers and father; the latter long dead, the former missing. Josh Slater-Williams, IndieWire, 19 May 2026 Diego Sanchez, operations department head for the Coast Guard's Station Atlantic City, was on a boat with four colleagues for hours Monday night looking for any signs of the missing swimmer. Tom Ignudo, CBS News, 19 May 2026 Sunday, the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office in Nevada received a report of a possible missing aircraft, which was last reported to be near Empire, Nevada, according to a news release from that office. Shannon Tyler, Idaho Statesman, 19 May 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 21 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

More from Merriam-Webster on missing

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster