Missing

Definition

Missing is an adjective and a present participle verb. As an adjective, it describes something or someone that is absent or lost. As a verb, it serves as the present participle of "miss," indicating the act of failing to notice, reach, or be present.

Parts of Speech

• Adjective
• Verb (present participle of "miss")

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈmɪsɪŋ/
• Respelling: MIS-ing

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈmɪsɪŋ/
• Respelling: MIS-ing

Etymology

The word "missing" originates from Middle English "missen," derived from Old English "missan," meaning "to fail to hit, miss, or escape." It is connected to Proto-Germanic "*missan," indicating a sense of failure or absence.

Derivatives

• Miss (verb)
• Missed (past tense verb)
• Missive (adjective, rare)
• Misstep (noun, derived)
• Misplaced (adjective)

Synonyms

• Absent
• Lost
• Unavailable

Antonyms

• Present
• Found
• Available

Usage

The term "missing" is often used in contexts of absence, loss, or oversight. For example, "The keys are missing from the drawer," or "He is missing his chance to succeed."

Related Terms

• Absence: The state of being away or not present.
• Loss: The state of no longer having something or someone.
• Omission: The act of leaving something out or failing to include it.

Detailed Definitions

Adjective

• Not present or lost: Refers to something or someone that cannot be located.
  • Example: "The child has been reported missing for three days."
• Absent from an expected place or condition: Indicates an absence that disrupts normal circumstances.
  • Example: "There is a missing page in the book."

Verb (present participle of "miss")

• Failing to notice or reach something: Refers to not hitting, obtaining, or attending.
  • Example: "She is missing her deadlines due to procrastination."
• Experiencing a sense of loss or regret: Describes the feeling of not having something or someone.
  • Example: "He is missing his friends after moving to a new city."