missing

adjective

miss·​ing ˈmi-siŋ How to pronounce missing (audio)
Synonyms of missingnext
1
: absent
a missing tooth
also : lost
my keys are missing
—sometimes used in the phrase go missing
My keys have gone missing.
2
: needed or expected but not included
It's a good sauce, but something is missing.

Synonyms of missing

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Examples of missing in a Sentence

The new director has provided the missing ingredient that was needed for the show's success. the missing socks turned up in the dog's special hiding place
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Tens of thousands remain missing and countless others have lost homes, livelihoods and loved ones. — James Longman, ABC News, 3 July 2026 The Dodgers catcher had previously clung to hope that the two, who had been reported missing, would be found. — Liana Handler follow, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026 Because that night, their mother, 44-year-old Laverda Sorrell, would go missing. — Veronica Fulton, NBC news, 4 July 2026 In The Odyssey, Holland plays Odysseus's son and the prince of Ithaca, Telemachus, who is in search of his missing father. — Brianna Zigler, Entertainment Weekly, 3 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for missing

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of missing was in the 14th century

Phrases Containing missing

Rhymes for missing

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Browse Nearby Words

missilery
missing
missing in action
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Missing.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/missing. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

missing

adjective
miss·​ing ˈmis-iŋ How to pronounce missing (audio)
: absent entry 1 sense 1, lost
missing persons
missing in action

More from Merriam-Webster on missing

Nglish: Translation of missing for Spanish Speakers

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