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

But at the southwest corner of the square, you might think the plaza is called “le owro squ,” because of all the missing letters.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 11, 2026

“All they’re missing are the manger and the three wise men,” the preacher quipped.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 11, 2026

Dr. Wang explained that the team's detailed molecular analysis finally uncovered the missing piece.

From Science Daily • Apr. 10, 2026

The parents of a missing soldier have said the failure of the Army to notice he was not on base for two weeks had "potentially" cost their son his life.

From BBC • Apr. 10, 2026

The one I’ve been missing for two years all school year long, dreaming of the day I’d follow her to the Mount.

From "Legendary Frybread Drive-In" by Cynthia Leitich Smith

Related Words

• away
• lost
• removed