absentee

American  

[ab-suhn-tee] / ˌæb sənˈti /

noun

1. a person who is absent, especially from work or school.

2. a person who is defined by their absence, such as a landowner who does not live on certain property owned or a voter who is permitted to cast a ballot by mail.

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absentee British  

/ ˌæbsənˈtiː /

noun

1. 1. a person who is absent

   2. ( as modifier )

      an absentee voter

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Etymology

Origin of absentee

First recorded in 1530–40; absent + -ee

Explanation

An absentee is someone who doesn't show up when she's supposed to. A high school student who's an absentee too often may end up failing some classes. If the star player of your basketball team doesn't show up for the big game, she's an absentee. Likewise, if you skip work to go to the beach on a beautiful day, your boss will consider you an absentee. If you fill out an absentee ballot before an election, you're using a special form for voters who won't be physically present at the polls. The Latin root is absentem, "be away from."

Example Sentences

Throughout the oral arguments, various justices brought up concerns about the potential for absentee voters to recall their ballots to change or alter them in some type of way.

From Salon • Mar. 27, 2026

He wrote in his autobiography that they had split because she had "enough of the absentee husband, enough of the selfishness and the black moods".

From BBC • Mar. 23, 2026

The widespread use of absentee voting occurred for the first time during the Civil War when many states allowed soldiers to vote from the field.

From Slate • Mar. 21, 2026

One absentee, however, will be Aleksander Aamodt Kilde, who has been ruled out with a "kink in his back", according to the Norwegian ski federation.

From Barron's • Jan. 21, 2026

“WhenI was taking the absentee notes to the office this morning, I saw a man drive her in late,” I said.

From "Firegirl" by Tony Abbott

Related Words

• hooky player
• no-show
• truant