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

The case has drawn attention across Florida and internationally, particularly within Bangladeshi academic communities, as questions mount about the timeline of the students’ disappearance and whether earlier intervention could have altered the outcome.

From Salon • Apr. 25, 2026

Private investigator Thomas McNally sees no link between the disappearance of Melissa Casias and some 10 other missing or deceased scientists.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 25, 2026

For now, the true reason behind the rise and disappearance of giant insects remains an open question.

From Science Daily • Apr. 25, 2026

The FBI has joined the investigation into the suspicious disappearance of 74-year-old Naiping Hou, a resident of Rancho Cucamonga and father of noted cryptocurrency investor Wen Hou.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 24, 2026

She began to think of Emeline’s departure as a disappearance and recalled that soon after Emeline’s last visit a curious change in routine had occurred within Holmes’s building.

From "The Devil in the White City" by Erik Larson

Related Words

• departure
• exodus
• loss
• removal