absence

American  

[ab-suhns] / ˈæb səns /

noun

1. state of being away or not being present.

   I acted as supervisor in his absence. Your absence was noted on the records.

   Antonyms:

   presence

2. period of being away.

   an absence of several weeks.

3. failure to attend or appear when expected.

4. lack; deficiency.

   the absence of proof.

5. inattentiveness; preoccupation; absent-mindedness.

   absence of mind.

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absence British  

/ ˈæbsəns /

noun

1. the state of being away

2. the time during which a person or thing is away

3. the fact of being without something; lack

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absence Idioms  

More idioms and phrases containing absence

• conspicuous by its absence

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Etymology

Origin of absence

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English, from Middle French, from Latin absentia; absent, -ia

Example Sentences

In the 15 games since Ball returned from a three-game absence because of an ankle injury, Charlotte has the top-ranked offense in the league.

From Los Angeles Times

Victor’s crime, the creature believes, is to have assumed the role of God, but the scientist fails to fully reckon with his own absence of empathy.

From The Wall Street Journal

In the absence of such a change, Macquarie maintains its underperform rating on the stock.

From The Wall Street Journal

It came after he was convicted in his absence of 36 charges at a previous hearing.

From BBC

The service will remain dependent on the ongoing stability in the Red Sea area and the absence of any escalation in conflicts in the region, it said.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• dearth
• deficiency
• drought
• lack
• omission