Absentee: meaning, definitions and examples

Used to describe someone who is frequently absent from work, school, or a meeting. Neutral term, often formal.

• The company is implementing new policies to reduce the number of absentees.
• The teacher marked him as an absentee.

Specifically used for students who deliberately stay away from school without permission. Negative connotation.

• The school takes a strict stance against truants.
• Being caught as a truant can lead to serious consequences.

Informal term for someone who does not attend a specific event or meeting. Neutral tone.

• The seminar had many non-attenders.
• Non-attenders will miss out on important information discussed in the meeting.

Negative term used mainly in British English to describe someone who avoids work or school by pretending to be ill or by shirking duties.

• He's such a skiver, always finding excuses to avoid work.
• The manager reprimanded the skiver for his frequent absences.

Refers to a person who is expected to be present but is not. Often used in formal settings like workplaces or schools.

• The absentee employee will need to submit a medical certificate; The absentee voter mailed in their ballot

Used when someone or something is absent unexpectedly or can’t be found, often evoking concern or worry.

• The keys are missing; The child was missing for several hours

Refers to a person who is not present at a specific event or meeting. Typically used in official or formal reports.

• The non-attending members missed the voting session; A list of non-attending students was compiled

This indicates that someone is at a different place, typically used in casual conversations. It can also imply a temporary absence.

• She is away on vacation; He was away from his desk when the call came in