absence

[ab-suhns]

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.

absence

/ 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

Word History and Origins

Origin of absence¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of absence¹

C14: via Old French from Latin absentia, from absēns a being away

Idioms and Phrases

• conspicuous by its absence

Example Sentences

The absences did not bother Bayern, who have begun the season in fearsome form.

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The government shutdown is poised to mark a major milestone next week in the absence of a deal, as the partial closure heads towards the longest on record.

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The government shutdown is poised to mark a major milestone next week in the absence of a deal, as the partial closure heads towards the longest on record.

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They can be present to varying degrees depending on the system, and the absence of one or more does not mean the system isn’t fascist:

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"It is arguably foreseeable that such instances are more likely to arise in the absence of such mechanisms."

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Related Words

• dearth 
• deficiency 
• drought 
• lack 
• omission