disappearance

American  

[dis-uh-peer-uhns] / ˌdɪs əˈpɪər əns /

noun

1. the act or an instance of disappearing; a ceasing to be seen or to exist.

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Etymology

Origin of disappearance

First recorded in 1705–15; disappear + -ance

Explanation

A disappearance occurs when something vanishes from sight. The disappearance of the stars behind the clouds makes it a bad night for watching a meteor shower. While this word is often used when something's not visible, you can also use it for something that dies out or ceases to exist, like the disappearance of a particular animal species that's gone extinct or even disappearance of cursive writing in schools. In news stories, the word frequently refers to a crime involving a missing person: "The disappearance of his neighbor was very mysterious."

Example Sentences

Casias had been an administrative assistant at Los Alamos National Laboratory, where the first atomic bomb was developed and where nuclear weapon work continues, her family told local news outlets after her disappearance.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 2, 2026

It said that there had been no "disappearance" of the bull's testicles and the pink marble used for the restoration was considered the closest material to the work's original appearance.

From BBC • Jun. 1, 2026

The authors said their apparent disappearance "has become a dense mystery, a puzzle that has plunged investigators into deep confusion".

From Barron's • May 26, 2026

After its disappearance, the glaciers in the region began thinning and retreating over the following years.

From Science Daily • May 19, 2026

There had to be a link between Hugo being a traitor and Will’s disappearance – and maybe Hannie’s, too.

From "Code Name Kingfisher" by Liz Kessler

Related Words

• departure
• exodus
• loss
• removal