absenteeism

American  

[ab-suhn-tee-iz-uhm] / ˌæb sənˈti ɪz əm /

noun

1. frequent or habitual absence from work, school, etc..

   rising absenteeism in the industry.

2. the practice of being an absentee landlord.

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absenteeism British  

/ ˌæbsənˈtiːɪzəm /

noun

1. persistent absence from work, school, etc

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absenteeism Cultural  

1. Habitual absence from work, thought to reflect employee demoralization or dissatisfaction.

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Etymology

Origin of absenteeism

First recorded in 1820–30; absentee + -ism

Explanation

If you’ve got no reason to skip school or work, but you do it all the time anyway, you’ve got a bad case of absenteeism. When there's absenteeism, someone isn't showing up. Absenteeism is a word for the habit of being absent. If you miss weeks of school, absenteeism has become a problem. Calling in sick to work every week is another example of absenteeism. Absenteeism can be like a contagious disease — sometimes, entire schools have problems with absenteeism. If there’s a good excuse for the absence, like a serious illness, it’s not absenteeism. So don’t forget those doctor’s notes.

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

absenteeism

It wouldn’t, however, lessen absenteeism among workers losing sleep in hot homes in India’s cities.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 7, 2026

K.B. is upfront about his father’s emotional distance and absenteeism during his childhood.

From Salon ● Jun. 7, 2026

At Ford’s Highland Park, Mich., plant in 1913 absenteeism averaged 10% a day, and annual turnover was 370%.

From Barron's ● May 20, 2026

In addition, the district put a successful school bond on the ballot to continue renovations, worked to lower student absenteeism and emphasized greener campuses.

From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 30, 2026

He had often insisted that absenteeism was the bane of Ireland, and yet for the life of him he could not see how his residence there was to prove a blessing.

From The Bramleighs of Bishop's Folly by Lever, Charles James