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

Across England, rates of "persistent absence" – when pupils miss 10% or more of lessons – have remained high since the pandemic.

From BBC

Bates started sensing the trend while watching the team from afar, gaining a different perspective during a two-week medical absence in early August to address blood clots in his leg.

From Los Angeles Times

One quality Sheen’s truth-blitz has in its favor, besides its unexpectedness, is Sheen’s relative absence for most of the past decade.

From Salon

Smith’s absence hardly hampered the Dodgers in their fourth straight win.

From Los Angeles Times

World Rugby's seal of approval comes with benefits; its absence will be a question mark for those pondering whether to take up an R360 offer, either as a player or host city.

From BBC

Related Words

• dearth 
• deficiency 
• drought 
• lack 
• omission