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

Yet, in the absence of obvious, visible progression, plenty of observers have cast doubt on whether the project, likely to cost more than £2bn, will ever actually be built.

From BBC

He was describing a physical absence, not a price problem.

From The Wall Street Journal

In the absence of international duty, Bairstow captained Yorkshire in the County Championship last season, a role he will take on again this year.

From BBC

Their absence has created huge queues and hours-long wait times at airport security checkpoints.

From BBC

Air travelers have faced hourslong lines at some airports as a partial government shutdown has squeezed Transportation Security Administration officers working without paychecks—prompting more absences and resignations.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• dearth
• deficiency
• drought
• lack
• omission