miss
verb (used with object)
to fail to hit or strike.
had been missing
-
past perfect progressiveof miss.past perfect progressive
Used to describe an action that was ongoing continuously in the past up until another past event interrupted it.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The four-time Grand Slam champion's victory over American third seed Jessica Pegula in the semi-finals was her finest display in months, playing with a fire and freedom that had been missing previously.
From BBC ● Sep. 12, 2026
George Smyth, a University of Bristol student from Shropshire, had been missing since 23 November in the Bucegi mountains, despite daily searches, Brașov Mountain Rescue said.
From BBC ● Aug. 15, 2026
The morning of Alfonzo’s debut, his sister and stepmother, who had been missing since two powerful earthquakes devastated Venezuela last month, were found dead.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 20, 2026
Kelly Montano, who owns Full Arepas, said members of her own family — her father, mother, a cousin and several others — had been missing since the quakes.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 29, 2026
Over the last year, while Percy had been missing, the gray streaks had finally disappeared from both of them, which made Annabeth sad and a little worried.
From "The Mark of Athena" by Rick Riordan
