What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
missing
Example
The missing keys were eventually found under the couch. [missing: adjective]
Example
There was a missing piece in the puzzle, so we couldn't complete it. [missing: noun]
vanished
Example
The magician made the rabbit vanish from the hat. [vanished: verb]
Example
The ancient civilization vanished without a trace. [vanished: past participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Missing is more common than vanished in everyday language, as it covers a wider range of contexts and situations. Vanished is less common and tends to be used in more formal or literary contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between missing and vanished?
While both missing and vanished can be used in formal or informal contexts, vanished has a more literary or poetic connotation, making it more suitable for formal writing or speech.
