missing

adjective

miss·​ing ˈmi-siŋ 

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

• lost
• gone
• misplaced

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

The Des Moines Police Department is seeking community assistance in locating a missing juvenile. —Des Moines Register, 31 Mar. 2026

With his son along for the ride, Luis shows strangers photos of the missing girl, joining a few of them on a convoy to the next party. —Brian Tallerico, Vulture, 31 Mar. 2026

But after hearing of the woman’s remarkable rescue—and her missing companion—Newton quickly stepped into action. —Madison Dapcevich, Outside, 31 Mar. 2026

Though Kristaps Porzingis’emergence has helped alleviate the spacing crunch that has dogged the organization for years, nothing can replace the defense-bending gravity that is missing as Curry continues to rehab from runner’s knee. —Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 30 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing missing

• missing in action
• missing link
• missing person report
• someone doesn't know what he/she is missing

Rhymes for missing

• hissing
• kissing
• characterising
• dismissing
• nipissing
• reminiscing

Kids Definition

missing

adjective

miss·​ing ˈmis-iŋ 

: absent entry 1 sense 1, lost

missing persons

missing in action