missing link

[mis-ing lingk] / ˈmɪs ɪŋ ˈlɪŋk /

NOUN

lost connection

Synonyms

WEAK

broken thread omission prehuman protohuman

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Dulles came to believe that religion, specifically an ecumenical Protestantism aiming to promote cooperation among different sects, was the missing link that could provide a moral architecture for the global system.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 15, 2026

And first-time buyers, long a missing link of the housing market, represented some 34% of February sales, one of the highest rates in five years, according to National Association of Realtors data.

From Barron's • Mar. 14, 2026

"I lost all my confidence after my diagnosis and treatment, so to bring the three of us together again to complete the missing link in our journey has been such a healing process," she said.

From BBC • Nov. 14, 2025

“The missing link at this point, from my perspective, is the partnership with the parents and the families,” board member Judy Manouchehri said.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 3, 2024

He had found the missing link in Harvey’s description of blood circulation, a link which Harvey himself had guessed must be there, but could not detect with the instruments at his disposal.

From "The Scientists" by John Gribbin