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Synonyms

sick leave

American  

noun

  1. leave from duty, work, or the like, granted because of illness.


sick leave British  

noun

  1. leave of absence from work through illness

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of sick leave

First recorded in 1830–40

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Merz said the government would not accept what he called "exorbitant" levels of sick leave in the wake of the pandemic.

From BBC • Jul. 3, 2026

A 2019 study by the Center for American Progress found that 39% of all workers — and 80% of low-wage workers — get no paid vacation time, and no paid sick leave.

From Salon • Jun. 24, 2026

You can also take sick leave when you’re mentally overwhelmed or exhausted or, for example, when you need time for routine dental care.

From MarketWatch • May 11, 2026

During times when people were taking semaglutide, psychiatric-related hospital care and sick leave dropped by 42% compared with periods when they were not using these medications.

From Science Daily • May 4, 2026

The neat writing within indicated salary, number of holidays, sick leave, and so forth.

From "The Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place: Book I: The Mysterious Howling" by Maryrose Wood

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