missing

American  

[mis-ing] / ˈmɪs ɪŋ /

adjective

1. absent, not found, or lost.

   a missing person.

2. lacking.

   Something is missing in this relationship.

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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

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Etymology

Origin of missing

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

Example Sentences

Later he would remember that “the views were so brief and fuzzy, a missing summit so unexpected, we were in denial about it.”

From Literature

Many economists say the BLS’s methods for filling in the missing numbers will result in distortions in inflation data until later this year.

From The Wall Street Journal

The mother of “Today” host Savannah Guthrie has been reported missing from her home in Arizona and local authorities say they suspect foul play.

From Los Angeles Times

The mother of “Today” co-anchor Savannah Guthrie has been reported missing in Arizona, and the woman’s home is now being considered a crime scene.

From The Wall Street Journal

When she did not return home the next day, she was reported missing by her mother and an investigation was launched.

From BBC

Related Words

• away
• lost
• removed