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 is working to dispel online speculation linking Melissa Casias’s disappearance to the scientists.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 25, 2026

Extensive fraudulent transactions were also made using his bank account around the time of his disappearance, the department said in a written statement.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 24, 2026

Two years later, someone contacted Donna through a missing persons support Facebook group, alleging they were abducted by a teenage girl around the time of the disappearance.

From BBC • Apr. 23, 2026

She was as furious as Mr. Das at its disappearance.

From "Homeless Bird" by Gloria Whelan

Related Words

• departure
• exodus
• loss
• removal