absence
Americannoun
-
state of being away or not being present.
I acted as supervisor in his absence. Your absence was noted on the records.
- Antonyms:
- presence
-
period of being away.
an absence of several weeks.
-
failure to attend or appear when expected.
-
lack; deficiency.
the absence of proof.
-
inattentiveness; preoccupation; absent-mindedness.
absence of mind.
noun
-
the state of being away
-
the time during which a person or thing is away
-
the fact of being without something; lack
Etymology
Origin of absence
First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English, from Middle French, from Latin absentia; see absent, -ia
Explanation
Absence is the state of not being someplace, like school. It can also refer to the amount of time something has been, or plans to be gone. We most commonly think of absence as the opposite of present in places school, but really it can refer to anything that's missing or something that's lacking. Darkness is an absence of light, and cold is an absence of heat. The figure of speech "absence makes the heart grow fonder" means "when my beloved isn't here, my feelings for them get even stronger" or "when something's gone, you want it even more."
Vocabulary lists containing absence
"To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee, Chapters 1–6
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Commonly Misspelled Words, List 1
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List 2
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
An absence and abdication of leadership has characterized her 3½ years as mayor.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 24, 2026
"In contrast, the limited absorption and slower uptake of Rybelsus probably explain the absence of a detectable signal," the researchers wrote.
From Science Daily • May 23, 2026
So Eze's absence only served to prove to Tuchel just how important he could be in offering something different to Bellingham and Rogers.
From BBC • May 21, 2026
The Election Security Group’s absence comes at a time when both threats and technological vulnerabilities are multiplying.
From Salon • May 21, 2026
Elton’s absence just at this time was the very thing to be desired.
From "Emma" by Jane Austen
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
