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

So, a lot of arrivals, absences and exits, but the net result is likely to be a greater need for Emery to use Elliott.

From BBC

“Significant eruption unlikely,” he proclaimed, despite the absence of data supporting his conclusion.

From Literature

When environmental conditions shift, the absence of this regulation appears to create major problems.

From Science Daily

De Silva had been recalled for a three-match T20 international series against Pakistan early last month after an 18-month absence and played the opening game against England in an ongoing series.

From Barron's

The absence of a Form 709 may be evidence that the transfer was never properly disclosed.

From MarketWatch

Related Words

• dearth
• deficiency
• drought
• lack
• omission