leave of absence

American  

noun

1. permission to be absent from duty, employment, service, etc.; leave.

2. the length of time granted in such permission.

   a two-year leave of absence.

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leave of absence British  

noun

1. permission to be absent from work or duty

2. the period of absence

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Etymology

Origin of leave of absence

First recorded in 1765–75

Example Sentences

The fast-growing artificial intelligence company fired the executive, Ryan Beiermeister, in early January, following a leave of absence, according to people familiar with the matter.

From The Wall Street Journal

I was 40 on a leave of absence from my high-profile executive marketing job.

From Los Angeles Times

The boss of an academy trust at the centre of strikes over potential job cuts has taken a "leave of absence".

From BBC

Though Tom is guilty of no actual wrongdoing, the dean has asked him to take a leave of absence to let any possible recriminations blow over.

From The Wall Street Journal

Not only that, but he then took a leave of absence from the court and went to Nuremberg to become the chief U.S. prosecutor, and the man who ultimately faced down Göring in open court.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• furlough
• sabbatical