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

One of the passengers noticed a man, who was reportedly wearing all black clothing, had gone missing. —Sofia Saric june 16, Miami Herald, 17 June 2026

This all comes after the Mexican missing person group Buscando Corazones Nogales received an anonymous tip claiming Guthrie’s remains were buried upstream in an unmarked grave near the Mexican border. —Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 16 June 2026

The doorman, Bruce, would sometimes chat with Goldberg at the door, learning about his quest for some missing original piece. —Jesse Armas, Curbed, 16 June 2026

In the show, Morrissey plays headmaster Michael Polly, who becomes the chief suspect when his wife goes missing and who remains inscrutable for most of the six episodes. —Simon Button, Variety, 16 June 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