missing in action

adjective

: missing and unable to be confirmed as captured or killed following military action

a soldier who was declared missing in action

The 1st Cavalry Division casualties in Operation PERSHING totalled 852 troopers killed in action, 22 missing in action, 286 killed in noncombat circumstances …

—Shelby L. Stanton

—often used figuratively for someone or something notably or unexpectedly missing, absent, or inactive

Most readers expect an encyclopedia to give the judgment of scholars—a group largely missing in action here.

—Julia Vitullo-Martin

The movie itself has just resurfaced after having been missing in action for some time.

—Video Review

But lots of hair had turned gray (my own included); lots more was missing in action.

—Joseph Epstein

Examples of missing in action in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

His parents learned that he was considered missing in action on Dec. 7, 1943, two years after the Pearl Harbor attack. —Michael Barnes, Austin American-Statesman, 1 Dec. 2024

With Batman missing in action, Detective Barbara Gordon (Rodriguez) is left with no other choice but to seek help from Gotham’s second smartest detective: The Riddler (voiced by Hasan Minhaj). —Todd Spangler, Variety, 19 Nov. 2024

Although a small, noisy contingent of protesters disrespected the returning American combat veterans, almost everyone recognized the enormous sacrifice, especially of those who died or were missing in action. —Michael Barnes, Austin American-Statesman, 16 Sep. 2024

Iga Swiatek missed the Asian swing, split from her coach, and has been missing in action since she was beaten by Jessica Pegula at Flushing Meadows. —Tim Ellis, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1808, in the meaning defined above