# MIA

/ˈmiə/ (US)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/mia
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. missing in action

adjective · CEFR B2

Stands for Missing In Action. Used to describe a soldier who did not return from a battle and whose location is unknown.

For teachers: Abbreviation for Missing In Action. A military classification for a service member who is not present after a combat engagement but has not been confirmed as killed or captured.

- The family spent years waiting for news about the pilot who went MIA during the war.
- Following the chaotic retreat, several dozen soldiers were officially listed as MIA until the Red Cross could verify the prisoner-of-war lists.

### 2. informally absent

adjective · CEFR B2 · Informal

Used to describe someone who is missing or has not shown up when you expected them to.

For teachers: Used informally to denote a person who is unexpectedly absent from a social or professional obligation, or who has stopped responding to communication.

- Our lead singer has gone MIA, so we might have to cancel the show tonight.
- The project manager has been MIA all week, leaving the development team without any clear direction on the new software requirements.

### 3. a missing person

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

Stands for Missing In Action. A soldier or person who is missing after a battle.

For teachers: Abbreviation for Missing In Action. A person, typically a member of the armed forces, who is classified as missing following a military operation.

- The government is still working to identify the remains of MIAs from the conflict.
- The memorial was dedicated to the MIAs of the Pacific theatre, ensuring their service would not be forgotten despite their unknown fates.

Usage: Often used in the plural form 'MIAs' when referring to a group of missing individuals.

## Examples

- My keys have gone MIA again.
- We were supposed to meet for lunch, but my brother has gone completely MIA and isn't answering his phone.
- The star striker went MIA during the second half of the championship game, failing to register a single shot on goal despite his team's dominance.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.