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

“I hope he’s right. Though if the absentee rate is any indication, a lot of parents are guessing differently. Do you have your academic transcripts from your previous school?”

From Literature

Spurs were in control from start to finish but needed to dig deep for the win, with over a dozen absentees and only one senior player on the bench.

From Barron's

The absentees included a general who was dismissed as a lawmaker late last year and a former deputy discipline-inspection chief for the military.

From The Wall Street Journal

In fairness to Amorim, he does have a long list of absentees.

From BBC

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

Related Words

• hooky player
• no-show
• truant