still missing

USAGE SUMMARY

"still missing" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to describe something that has not been found or obtained yet, or to indicate that something has been lost and has not been recovered. For example, "The whereabouts of the lost painting are still missing."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Still missing".

The New York Times

Thousands are still missing.

Independent

Most are still missing.

The New Yorker

Others are still missing.

The New York Times

Four are still missing.

The New York Times

"He's still missing.

The New York Times

Something is still missing.

The Guardian - Sport

She is still missing.

The New York Times

Thirty are still missing.

The Guardian

Yousif is still missing.

The Guardian

It is still missing.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When reporting on missing persons or items, use "still missing" to convey the ongoing nature of the search or investigation. This emphasizes that the situation remains unresolved and that efforts to locate the missing entity are continuing.

Common error

Avoid using "still missing" in casual conversations when a simpler term like "lost" or "can't find" would suffice. The phrase carries a sense of gravity best suited for more serious or formal reporting.

Linguistic Context

"Still missing" serves as an adjectival phrase, typically modifying a noun to indicate the ongoing state of being lost or unfound. Ludwig AI confirms its frequent usage in contexts where persistence and unresolved status are emphasized. This phrase is used to highlight that a search or investigation is still active and has not yet yielded results.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "still missing" is a grammatically sound and frequently used adjectival phrase, predominantly found in news and media contexts. According to Ludwig AI, it effectively communicates an ongoing state of being lost or unfound, emphasizing the unresolved nature of a situation. Alternatives like "yet to be found" or "remains unfound" can offer similar meanings, though the phrase's directness and widespread recognition make it a strong choice for conveying the persistence of a search or investigation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

yet to be found

Emphasizes the aspect of something not being located up to the present time.

remains unfound

Highlights the continuous state of not being discovered or recovered.

continues to be missing

Stresses the ongoing nature of the disappearance or loss.

not yet located

Focuses on the absence of a known location for something or someone.

unaccounted for

Indicates that the whereabouts or status of someone or something is not known or explained.

outstanding

Suggests that something is unresolved or not yet completed, in the context of a search or investigation.

at large

Used to describe someone who has escaped or is avoiding capture; emphasizes freedom from custody.

absent without leave

Generally used in a military context to describe someone missing from their post.

not present

A simple and direct way of stating that someone or something is not currently in a particular place.

incomplete

Focuses on the lack of completeness, often used for projects or tasks rather than people.

FAQs

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

You can use "still missing" to describe a person, object, or information that has not been found or recovered. For example, "The child is still missing after three days of searching" or "Important data from the experiment is "still missing"."

What are some alternatives to the phrase "still missing"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "yet to be found", "remains unfound", or "unaccounted for". Each carries a slightly different nuance.

Is it correct to use "still missing" to describe an abstract concept?

Yes, it can be used to describe abstract concepts as well. For example, "The key to solving this problem is "still missing"" or "The reason for his behavior is "still missing"."

What is the difference between "still missing" and "missing"?

"Missing" simply indicates that something or someone is not present or has disappeared. "Still missing" emphasizes that the state of being missing has persisted over time and remains unresolved. For example, "Yet to be found" conveys that the search efforts are ongoing.