Absence: meaning, definitions and examples

Add to dictionary

absence

 

[ ˈæbsəns ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

in a meeting

The state of being away or not present.

Synonyms

lack, missing, nonattendance

Examples of usage

  • He apologized for his absence from the meeting.
  • She noticed his absence and wondered where he was.
Context #2 | Noun

school

The failure to attend or participate in classes or other scheduled activities.

Synonyms

default, nonappearance, truancy

Examples of usage

  • His grades suffered due to his frequent absence from school.
  • The teacher called the parents to discuss the student's absences.
Context #3 | Noun

work

The fact of not being present or available at work, especially without good reason.

Synonyms

missing, nonappearance, nonattendance

Examples of usage

  • Her repeated absence from work led to her dismissal.
  • The company has strict policies regarding employee absences.

Translations

Translations of the word "absence" in other languages:

🇵🇹 ausência

🇮🇳 अनुपस्थिति

🇩🇪 Abwesenheit

🇮🇩 ketidakhadiran

🇺🇦 відсутність

🇵🇱 nieobecność

🇯🇵 不在 (ふざい)

🇫🇷 absence

🇪🇸 ausencia

🇹🇷 yokluk

🇰🇷 부재 (bujae)

🇸🇦 غياب

🇨🇿 nepřítomnost

🇸🇰 neprítomnosť

🇨🇳 缺席 (quēxí)

🇸🇮 odsotnost

🇮🇸 fjarvera

🇰🇿 жоқ болу

🇬🇪 გარეგნობა

🇦🇿 yoxluq

🇲🇽 ausencia

Word origin

The word 'absence' originated from the Latin word 'absentia', derived from the verb 'abesse', meaning 'to be away'. It has been used in English since the late 14th century to describe the state of being away or not present. The concept of absence is universal and has been explored in various forms of literature, art, and philosophy over the centuries.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #1,176, this word is part of core intermediate vocabulary. It appears regularly in various contexts and is essential for natural-sounding English.