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

But to seek perfection here may be missing the point.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 8, 2026

Revenue fell 5% to $35.6 million, also missing estimates for $40.5 million.

From Barron's • Jun. 8, 2026

But Haaland is about to end his wait as, despite missing out on Euro 2024, he will lead Norway's line on the sport's highest stage this summer.

From BBC • Jun. 7, 2026

Just a week ago, nearly 200 rescue workers, mostly volunteers, were still combing the Desolation Wilderness in El Dorado National Forest searching for Jason Coughran, 60, after the hiker went missing on May 25.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 7, 2026

Still, the busted lock and the window lights and the missing map had Tarbox written all over them.

From "The Teacher’s Funeral" by Richard Peck

Related Words

• away
• lost
• removed