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

His absence Sunday left undrafted rookie Max Brosmer under center, and the shutout loss didn’t provide any confidence that the Vikings have any option left other than hoping that McCarthy improves.

From The Wall Street Journal

In Wood's absence, England could again go for an all-pace attack and bring Josh Tongue into the side.

From BBC

Labour MP and former minister Tulip Siddiq has been sentenced to two years in prison in Bangladesh after being put on trial in her absence alongside 16 other people over corruption allegations.

From BBC

The absence of those elements here makes “Hamnet” simply derivative; a loose thread, grabbed swiftly and pulled hard in the hopes that the audience will be undone.

From Salon

"The number of absences from this school reflects the background levels of respiratory infection across Wales," he said.

From BBC

Related Words

• dearth
• deficiency
• drought
• lack
• omission