Disappearance

/ˌdɪsəˈpɪərəns/

nounBeginnerCommonGeneral

Definitions

1

The act of ceasing to be visible or existing; vanishing.

/ˌdɪsəˈpɪərəns/

nounneutralBeginner
General

The act of vanishing or going missing.

The sudden disappearance of the witnesses made the case more difficult.

💡 Simply: When something or someone is gone and you can't find them anymore. Like when your favorite toy disappears from your room.

👶 For kids: When something or someone is gone, and you can't see it anymore.

More Examples

2

The police are investigating the disappearance of a local resident.

3

The magician's skillful performance included a dramatic disappearance of the assistant.

How It's Used

Crime

"The disappearance of the valuable painting remains a mystery."

Everyday Life

"The disappearance of the keys delayed our departure."

Idioms & expressions

make a disappearing act

To leave quickly and secretly, often to avoid a problem or obligation.

"He made a disappearing act after the bills arrived."

From Middle English *disapparence*, from Old French *desaparance* (Modern French *disparition*), from *disparoir* (“to disappear”).

The word 'disappearance' has been used since the 17th century, evolving from the French word 'disparition'.

Memory tip

Think of a magician's trick - a sudden disappearance!

disapearancedisapearencedisapperance

Usage

40%Spoken
60%Written