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

According to a 2013 report from the West Virginia Center on Budget and Policy, about 60% of land in the county is owned by absentee corporations, including railroad, mining and timber companies.

From The Wall Street Journal

Trend watchers on social media were far less kind to this “key structural color,” responding to Pantone’s announcement with jokes about rushed assignments and absentee landlords.

From Salon

One notable absentee was Austrian star Marcel Hirscher, now racing in the colours of the Netherlands.

From Barron's

Spencer Johnson and Lance Morris, both capable of high pace, are long-term absentees.

From BBC

Those wanting an absentee ballot would be asked to write an ID number on the form.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• hooky player
• no-show
• truant