absentee

[ab-suhn-tee]

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.

absentee

/ ˌæbsənˈtiː /

noun

1. 1. a person who is absent

   2. ( as modifier )

      an absentee voter

Word History and Origins

Origin of absentee¹

First recorded in 1530–40; absent + -ee

Example Sentences

In Todd’s facelessness, he’s a stand-in for whatever you want: absentee parents, a struggling partner or child or friend.

From Los Angeles Times

Less than half the team attended, quarterback Jalen Hurts among those not present, although a White House official said he and the other absentees had "scheduling conflicts".

From BBC

As Eddie Howe and his players walked back to the tunnel, the away end turned their attention to a high-profile absentee for the first time.

From BBC

The words "better together" may have been signposted inside the canteen, but there was a notable absentee.

From BBC

Injuries have caused Derby no end of problems in the past year, and they still have noticeable absentees.

From BBC

Related Words

• hooky player www.thesaurus.com
• no-show 
• truant