Dictionary missing

adjective

missing

Not present where expected or unable to be found.

One piece is missing from the puzzle on our table.

Etymology

missOld Englishto fail to reach

+ingEnglishin a specified state

Missing is formed from miss. It describes someone or something that fails to appear where expected, or whose location cannot be established.

More examples

The police are searching for a missing child.
Two pages are missing from this report.
My keys are missing, so I check every pocket.

Forms

missing

Similar words

absent: Means not present, without necessarily suggesting a search.
lost: Emphasizes that someone or something's location is unknown.