What Does “Missing” Mean?

The word “missing” is commonly used to describe something that is lost, absent, or not accounted for. It can refer to a variety of situations, including missing persons, missing objects, or missing information. The term conveys a sense of incompleteness or lack and is widely used in both formal and informal contexts.

Synonyms for “Missing”

Strongest Matches (Direct Equivalents)

  • Absent
  • Lost
  • Gone
  • Disappeared
  • Vanished
  • Unaccounted for
  • Lacking

Strong Matches (Closely Related Words)

  • Misplaced
  • Nowhere to be found
  • Evaporated
  • Extinct
  • Unavailable
  • Omitted
  • Overlooked

Weak Matches (Loosely Related Words)

  • Hidden
  • Concealed
  • Unseen
  • Obscured
  • Removed
  • Skipped
  • Overpassed

Example Sentences Using “Missing”

  1. A missing person alert was issued after the child failed to return home.
  2. I searched my bag for my keys, but they were missing.
  3. The report was incomplete because some crucial data was missing.
  4. His presence was sorely missed at the family reunion.
  5. She noticed that a few pages were missing from the old book.
  6. The puzzle piece went missing and we couldn’t complete the picture.

Contextual Usage of “Missing”

  • Everyday Speech: “I think I left my phone at the restaurant. It’s missing!”
  • Legal & Police Reports: “Authorities are investigating the case of the missing documents.”
  • Technology & Software: “An error occurred due to a missing file in the database.”
  • Academic & Research: “The results were inconclusive due to missing data points.”
  • Military & Warfare: “Soldiers who went missing in action were later honored for their bravery.”
  • Entertainment & Literature: “The mystery novel revolves around a missing heirloom.”

Related Words & Phrases

  • Missed: Failing to catch or reach something.
  • Lack: A deficiency or absence of something needed.
  • Deficiency: A shortfall or inadequacy.
  • Absence: The state of being away or not present.
  • Unfound: Not yet discovered or located.
  • Overlooked: Failed to be noticed or considered.

Additional Information on “Missing”

  • Grammar: “Missing” is often used as an adjective, though it can function as a present participle in certain constructions (e.g., “I am missing my wallet”).
  • Common Phrases with “Missing”:
    • “Missing in action” (MIA) – Used in military or gaming contexts.
    • “Missing link” – Refers to a crucial but lost element.
    • “Missing piece” – A metaphor for something essential that is absent.
    • “Go missing” – A common way to describe something that has disappeared.

Disclaimer

This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional linguistic, legal, or technical advice. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, meanings and usage of words can vary based on context and region.