missing

American  

[mis-ing] / ˈmɪs ɪŋ /

adjective

1. absent, not found, or lost.

   a missing person.

2. lacking.

   Something is missing in this relationship.

---

idioms

1. go missing, to disappear; become lost.

   My keys have gone missing again.

missing British  

/ ˈmɪsɪŋ /

adjective

1. not present; absent or lost

2. not able to be traced and not known to be dead

   nine men were missing after the attack

3. to become lost or disappear

---

Etymology

Origin of missing

First recorded in 1520–30; miss ¹ + -ing ²

Example Sentences

"Within the symbiosis project, we've been steadily sequencing genomes for several years, but several key gaps remained. In this study, we were able to fill these missing puzzle pieces," confirms Sanchez.

From Science Daily • Apr. 1, 2026

It’s been only a couple of months since the death of Catherine O’Hara, your “Schitt’s Creek” co-star, and audiences are still missing her tremendously.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 1, 2026

In Australia, petrol prices have climbed as some 600 stations across the country were missing at least one fuel type.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 1, 2026

Both the chocolate bars and the truck carrying them remain missing, though no one was hurt in the theft, it said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 31, 2026

“Willie is the tree growing directly above me. They keep my house together, and keep the missing page safe. Not to mention make the perfect cup of tea.”

From "The Way to Rio Luna" by Zoraida Cordova

Related Words

• away
• lost
• removed