missing

American  

[mis-ing] / ˈmɪs ɪŋ /

adjective

1. absent, not found, or lost.

   a missing person.

2. lacking.

   Something is missing in this relationship.

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idioms

1. go missing, to disappear; become lost.

   My keys have gone missing again.

missing British  

/ ˈmɪsɪŋ /

adjective

1. not present; absent or lost

2. not able to be traced and not known to be dead

   nine men were missing after the attack

3. to become lost or disappear

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Etymology

Origin of missing

First recorded in 1520–30; miss ¹ + -ing ²

Example Sentences

Americans are concerned about pump prices but, with no physical shortages, a billion missing barrels seems as abstract as 10,000 pneumonia cases in far-off Wuhan.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 24, 2026

Sheriff’s deputies credit two K-9s with saving a life after sniffing out a missing woman who had fallen 200 feet down a steep ravine in the San Bernardino Mountains, officials say.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 24, 2026

It was one of four missing episodes from the series but a copy was preserved by an industry professional who has since died.

From BBC • Apr. 24, 2026

She said those prices aren’t high enough to explain the drop in demand, and what’s likely happening is missing supply.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 24, 2026

He’s had a steady schedule of phone calls, job applications, and searching for his missing watch case to keep him busy.

From "South of Somewhere" by Kalena Miller

Related Words

• away
• lost
• removed