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missing
/ˈmɪsɪŋ/
not present or absent
I can't find my keys—they're missing.
The keys are not present or cannot be found.
general
not present or absent
The missing piece of the puzzle was found under the table.
The absent part of the puzzle was discovered under the table.
Often used to describe something that should be present but isn't.
emotional
to feel a sense of loss or longing for someone or something
She misses her family when she's away.
She feels a sense of loss or longing for her family when she's not with them.
Used to express emotional absence or longing.
Collocations
missing in actiona military term for soldiers who are absent and presumed lost or capturedmissing outto fail to experience or participate in something enjoyable
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Common Usage
'Missing' can describe physical absence or emotional longing. Context determines the meaning.
Gold Rule
Adjective vs. Verb
As an adjective, it describes something not present. As a verb, it expresses emotional absence.
Word Origin
From Middle English 'missen' (to fail to hit or reach), from Old English 'missan'.
Usage Notes
Can be used as both an adjective and a verb. As a verb, it often implies an emotional sense of loss.
Word Breakdown
miss
to fail to hit or reach
root-ing
present participle or adjective form
suffixEnglish Dictionary