absentee

American  

[ab-suhn-tee] / ˌæb sənˈti /

noun

1. a person who is absent, especially from work or school.

2. a person who is defined by their absence, such as a landowner who does not live on certain property owned or a voter who is permitted to cast a ballot by mail.

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absentee British  

/ ˌæbsənˈtiː /

noun

1. 1. a person who is absent

   2. ( as modifier )

      an absentee voter

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Etymology

Origin of absentee

First recorded in 1530–40; absent + -ee

Example Sentences

The roof can be caving in or they can be well-loved properties with absentee owners.

From The Wall Street Journal

Staffing shortages have pushed absentee rates sharply higher, leaving major airports scrambling to maintain basic operations as spring travel ramps up.

From Salon

In the 2024 election, nearly one in three Americans voted using mail-in or absentee ballots, accounting for some 48 million votes.

From Salon

He wrote in his autobiography that they had split because she had "enough of the absentee husband, enough of the selfishness and the black moods".

From BBC

If early voting is fine, and if the counting process can go on for days after the polls close, then why not the arrival of absentee ballots that were marked and mailed on time?

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• hooky player
• no-show
• truant