missing slice

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "missing slice" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a part of something that is absent or incomplete, often in contexts like data analysis, food, or metaphorical situations. Example: "The report was incomplete due to a missing slice of data that was crucial for the analysis."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

Where's the missing slice?

The New York Times

Our recent Missing Slice puzzle asked about dotting and cutting a circle (actually, a pizza).

The New York Times

(GA) From Sledgehammer to Scalpel (PM) Treat or Trick (GA) The White Halloween Horror (PM) The Missing Slice (GA) Personality or Issues?

The New York Times

And rounding out the Missing Slice exploration were Gary, Giovanni Ciriani, Jim, Marco M, Patrick C, Technic Ally and William J. Keith.

The New York Times

In previous elections, simple weighting techniques largely corrected for the small statistical bias resulting produced by the missing voters, but the missing slice is now estimated at more than quarter of U.S. households, big enough to affect polling accuracy.

Huffington Post

Unfortunately, the ready-to-buy options are often unoriginal or unsatisfying (the recent outcry over a major high‑street chain's paltry fillings – think half a slice of gently curling ham, or a missing slice of bread – made us laugh).

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Defenders of the old analog technology used in stereo recordings said that the infinitesimal missing slices of music on CDs undermined the sound quality.

The New York Times - Arts

In many ways, New York City after AIDS is somewhat like America after World War II -- a place physically unscathed yet socially transformed, missing slices of entire generations of its citizens, its lasting effects at times concrete and at others evanescent.

The New York Times

A dilation filter was then used to fill holes caused by detector noise and missing slices.

Biomedical Optics Express

But Murray drags it back to deuce, a lob from him and a missed slice from Federer making it so.

The Guardian - Sport

Doctors amputated his right lower leg and his entire right arm, including the shoulder; shrapnel had destroyed his shoulder joint and just missed slicing his carotid artery, doctors said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "missing slice" metaphorically, ensure the context clearly indicates what the "slice" represents. For example, "The project failed due to a "missing slice" of market research."

Common error

Avoid using "missing slice" in highly technical documents where a more precise term would be appropriate. For example, in data analysis, consider using "incomplete data set" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "missing slice" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as a subject or object in a sentence. It describes a part of something that is absent. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "missing slice" is a grammatically correct and usable English phrase, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It's used to describe something that is incomplete due to a part being absent. While it's not exceptionally common, it appears across various contexts, particularly in news, science, and general writing. When using "missing slice", consider whether a more precise term might be more appropriate, especially in technical contexts. Alternatives like "absent segment" or "incomplete portion" may sometimes be more suitable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

absent segment

Replaces "slice" with "segment", emphasizing a part that is not present.

incomplete portion

Focuses on the lack of completeness due to the absence of a part.

lost fragment

Emphasizes the idea of a piece that has been lost or is no longer available.

removed section

Highlights the action of a section being taken away.

gap in the sequence

Emphasizes a break or interruption in an ordered series.

lacuna

Uses a more formal term to describe a gap or missing part.

deficient piece

Highlights the deficiency caused by the absence of a piece.

omitted part

Focuses on the act of leaving out a part.

unaccounted for portion

Indicates a portion that is not explained or present.

void

A more abstract term for something lacking or empty.

FAQs

How can I use "missing slice" in a sentence?

You can use "missing slice" to describe a part of something that is absent or incomplete. For example, "The presentation felt disjointed because it had a "missing slice" of critical data."

What phrases are similar to "missing slice"?

Alternatives include "absent segment", "incomplete portion", or "lost fragment", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "missing slice" in formal writing?

While generally acceptable, consider the context. In highly formal or technical writing, a more precise term like "incomplete data" or "absent component" may be preferable.

What does "missing slice" mean in a metaphorical sense?

Metaphorically, "missing slice" refers to an essential part that is lacking, causing something to be incomplete or deficient. For instance, "Their success was limited by a "missing slice" of strategic planning."