Daily Halacha - If a Word is Missing from the Megillah, Has the Obligation Been Fulfilled?

If a word is missing from the Megillah, has the obligation been fulfilled?

According to most authorities, if even one word is missing from the Megillah, one has not fulfilled their obligation. Therefore, it is best for everyone to have a kosher Megillah scroll so they can complete any missing portions. If one cannot afford it, they may complete up to half of the Megillah from a printed version [Yalkut Yosef p. 501].

If someone missed hearing a word from the Megillah reading, can they make it up after the reading?

The Megillah must be read in order, and if read out of the order in which it was written, one has not fulfilled their obligation. Therefore, anyone who missed hearing a word or verse from the reader must immediately catch up to reach the point where the reader is, and is not permitted to make it up afterward.

Ach Tov VaChesed - Daily Halacha