conspicuous by its absence

Idioms  

1. Also, conspicuous by one's absence. Glaringly obvious by the fact of not being there. For example, One agenda item concerning publicity is conspicuous by its absence, or The bride's father was conspicuous by his absence. The idea is ancient; it was expressed by the Roman writer Tacitus, concerning the absence of Junia's brother and husband at her funeral procession. [Mid-1800s]

---

Example Sentences

With his trademark long-potting ability conspicuous by its absence, Wu repeatedly left Murphy opportunities to capitalise.

From BBC • May 4, 2026

While the Russian delegation will be conspicuous by its absence, organisers hailed a record turnout in terms of the number and diversity of participants, with expectations of a "high-level" Chinese presence.

From Reuters • Jan. 10, 2023

They would also have to inject the personality, leadership and commitment conspicuous by its absence from a squad that coasted through some games last season.

From The Guardian • Sep. 2, 2020

But the more recent works use the oscillating motifs as backdrops for brushwork that’s big and bold — and sometimes conspicuous by its absence.

From Washington Post • Apr. 19, 2018

At seven o'clock precisely she descends and gains the drawing-room as admirably dressed as usual, but with her good humor still conspicuous by its absence.

From Airy Fairy Lilian by Margaret Wolfe Hamilton (AKA Duchess)