absence

[ ab-suhns ]

noun

1. state of being away or not being present:

   I acted as supervisor in his absence. Your absence was noted on the records.

   Antonyms: presence

2. period of being away:

   an absence of several weeks.

3. failure to attend or appear when expected.
4. lack; deficiency:

   the absence of proof.

5. inattentiveness; preoccupation; absent-mindedness:

   absence of mind.

absence

/ ˈæbsəns /

noun

1. the state of being away
2. the time during which a person or thing is away
3. the fact of being without something; lack

Word History and Origins

Origin of absence¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English, from Middle French, from Latin absentia; absent, -ia

Word History and Origins

Origin of absence¹

C14: via Old French from Latin absentia, from absēns a being away

Idioms and Phrases

In addition to the idiom beginning with absence , also see conspicuous by its absence .

Example Sentences

It is understood at least 10 teachers are on long-term absence from Ysgol Friars, with sources claiming there had been an average of 18 absences a day since October.

From BBC

When Marie Antoinette, who had no knowledge of the transaction, was contacted about the absence of the final payment, the cardinal was arrested but declared innocent.

From BBC

He added the absence of any infringement decisions under EU or UK competition law meant it would be down to the claimant to prove the market abuse it was alleging was actually taking place.

From BBC

He urged the school board to consider the “profound impact” that Perez has had on the Valley View community and realize that “his absence would leave a gap in our lives that no other teacher could fill.”

From Los Angeles Times

The big task will be overcoming the absence of Kennedy Smith, a four-year starter now at USC.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• dearth
• deficiency
• drought
• lack
• omission