government gone missing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "government gone missing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where the government is perceived as absent or ineffective in addressing issues or fulfilling its responsibilities. Example: "In times of crisis, many citizens feel that their government has gone missing, leaving them to fend for themselves."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

But that's the very definition of a shutdown: Government gone missing.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

'Delhi government goes missing', screamed one.

BBC

The World Bank has estimated that since independence half a century ago at least $400 billion has gone missing from government coffers.

The Economist

The World Bank has estimated that since its independence half a century ago at least $400 billion have gone missing from government coffers.

The Economist

"Thousands more have disappeared after initial arrest by State forces or while moving through Government-held territory, or have gone missing after abduction by armed groups," wrote the commission, which was created by the Human Rights Council but operates independently from the UN's human rights office.

Vice

Boris Nemtsov, a former deputy prime minister turned opposition leader, and other government critics allege that billions have gone missing from the budget funds and Nemtsov claims he will release a report on the matter in the spring.

The Guardian - Sport

The two booksellers are among five linked to book publisher Mighty Current, which produces material banned by the government in mainland China, who have gone missing in recent months. .

Vice

The US had pledged to help the new government recover weapons - especially anti-aircraft missiles that had been gone missing when Col Gaddafi's government crumbled.

BBC

The UN has expressed concern about reports that hundreds of men have gone missing after reaching government-held territory.

The Guardian

In 2014, the governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Lamido Sanusi, revealed that up to twenty billion dollars in oil revenue had gone missing between the government-run oil company and the Central Bank.

The New Yorker

But, as waves of disaffection with immigration, bankers and politicians have broken over his cash-strapped government, Mr Cameron's modernising has largely gone missing.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "government gone missing" to pointedly critique situations where governmental bodies are perceived as failing to provide necessary services or leadership. The phrase is most effective when emphasizing a sense of abandonment or neglect.

Common error

Avoid using "government gone missing" to describe temporary or minor lapses in service. The phrase carries a strong connotation of complete absence or severe dereliction of duty, so ensure the situation warrants such a dramatic description.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "government gone missing" functions as a noun phrase used attributively to describe a state or situation where governmental authority or services are notably absent. According to Ludwig, it's a correct and usable phrase to express governmental absence.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "government gone missing" is a grammatically correct and usable expression, albeit relatively rare in occurrence. As Ludwig AI points out, it effectively describes a situation where a government is perceived as absent or ineffective, most commonly in news and media contexts. When using this phrase, consider alternatives like "government absent" or "government ineffective", and be mindful of the strong connotations of abandonment or neglect that the phrase carries.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

government absent

Focuses on the physical or functional absence of the government.

government ineffective

Highlights the government's inability to produce desired results.

government derelict

Emphasizes the government's negligence of its duties.

government unaccountable

Highlights the government's lack of transparency and responsibility.

government disappeared

Suggests a sudden and mysterious vanishing of governmental influence.

lack of governance

Describes a broader systemic failure in governing.

governance vacuum

Implies an empty space where governance should be.

state failure

Indicates a complete breakdown of state functions.

government abdicated its responsibilities

Highlights the government's voluntary relinquishing of duty.

government out of touch

Focuses on the government's detachment from the needs and concerns of its citizens.

FAQs

What does it mean when people say "government gone missing"?

When people say "government gone missing", they typically mean that the government is perceived as absent, ineffective, or has failed to address crucial issues or provide necessary services. It suggests a significant lack of governmental presence or action.

How can I use "government gone missing" in a sentence?

You can use "government gone missing" to describe situations where the government's presence or effectiveness is notably lacking. For example: "In times of crisis, many citizens feel that their government gone missing, leaving them to fend for themselves."

What are some alternative phrases to "government gone missing"?

Some alternative phrases you could use include "government absent", "government ineffective", or "lack of governance", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "government gone missing" a grammatically correct phrase?

Yes, "government gone missing" is a grammatically correct and understandable phrase. It's used to express the idea of a government being absent or failing to fulfill its expected role.