disappearance
Americannoun
-
disappearances
plural
Other Word Forms
Noun Inflected Forms
Etymology
Origin of disappearance
Explanation
A disappearance occurs when something vanishes from sight. The disappearance of the stars behind the clouds makes it a bad night for watching a meteor shower. While this word is often used when something's not visible, you can also use it for something that dies out or ceases to exist, like the disappearance of a particular animal species that's gone extinct or even disappearance of cursive writing in schools. In news stories, the word frequently refers to a crime involving a missing person: "The disappearance of his neighbor was very mysterious."
Vocabulary lists containing disappearance
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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.
See Examples For:
The U.S. military denied any involvement in the drone strikes in March and the disappearance of the vessel in January.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 28, 2026
As does “Hoffa,” the 1992 drama, both gritty and glamorous, about the life of labor organizer Jimmy Hoffa, who is now largely known for the mysterious and still unexplained circumstances of his disappearance in 1975.
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 25, 2026
"As we have explained previously, the active inquiry into Corrie Mckeague's disappearance is now closed," a spokesperson said.
From BBC ● Sep. 24, 2026
Other studies have examined the disappearance of neurons that send the signals needed to activate muscles.
From Science Daily ● Sep. 24, 2026
There had to be a link between Hugo being a traitor and Will’s disappearance – and maybe Hannie’s, too.
From "Code Name Kingfisher" by Liz Kessler
As Béatrice’s amateur detective work pulls her in deeper, the strands begin to suggest a conspiracy, one marked by mysterious disappearances and the clandestine sway of the Vatican.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 2, 2026
The surfers' disappearances and deaths sparked widespread outrage and grief in Australia and the United States, prompting a major social media search for their bodies.
From Barron's ● Sep. 9, 2026
It has called for anyone being held beyond the legal period to be taken to court or released, and any alleged unlawful detentions or disappearances to be independently investigated.
From BBC ● Aug. 20, 2026
Mexico President Claudia Sheinbaum has focused on distinguishing between disappearances committed by organized crime and those forced by state agents.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 10, 2026
The late-night disappearances, which he claimed were part of his job, but which Mrs. Dannenberg found suspicious enough that she’d brought up her concerns with a neighbor?
From "The Brightwood Code" by Monica Hesse
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
