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Absentee Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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absentee

[หŒรฆb.sษ™nหˆtiห ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

workplace

A person who is regularly absent from work or school, especially without good reason.

Synonyms

non-attender, skiver, truant.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
absentee

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.
truant

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.
non-attender

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.
skiver

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.

Examples of usage

  • The manager was concerned about the high number of absentees in the office.
  • The teacher contacted the parents of the absentees to discuss their attendance issues.
Context #2 | Adjective

voting

Not present for a vote, meeting, or other event.

Synonyms

away, missing, non-attending.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
absentee

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
missing

Used when someone or something is absent unexpectedly or canโ€™t be found, often evoking concern or worry.

  • The keys are missing; The child was missing for several hours
non-attending

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
away

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

Examples of usage

  • The absentee voters will be able to cast their ballots by mail.
  • The absentees will be marked as 'not present' in the meeting minutes.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Legal Context

  • In law, an absentee is a person who is not present in a specific jurisdiction, which can complicate legal proceedings.
  • Absentee ballots allow voters to participate in elections even when they cannot physically attend the polling place, ensuring everyone has a voice.
  • Property laws can designate absentee owners, meaning individuals who own property but do not reside at that location, which may impact local governance.

Education

  • School absenteeism often leads to discussions about the impacts on a child's education and social development.
  • Truancy laws exist in many regions to address the issue of students being absentees without valid excuses.
  • Educational institutions often employ strategies to reduce absentee rates, such as providing incentives for perfect attendance.

Famous Examples

  • The concept of absentee ownership became prominent in discussions about corporate farming in the U.S., where farms are owned but not actively managed by the owners.
  • Notable absentee landlords have faced criticism for neglecting local communities, highlighting a social responsibility for property ownership.
  • The term 'absentee ballot' gained fame during elections as more people sought to vote while being away from their home districts.

Psychological Angle

  • Research indicates that habitual absenteeism in workplaces can be linked to job dissatisfaction or personal issues.
  • Psychology looks at how feelings of alienation can contribute to someone becoming an absentee in social or work settings.
  • Programs addressing absenteeism often focus on the emotional and psychological motivations behind why individuals may choose to be absent.

Origin of 'absentee'

Main points about word origin

  • The term 'absentee' comes from the Latin word 'absentis', which means 'not present'.
  • It entered the English language in the 17th century, initially used to describe someone who was absent from their place of work or duty.
  • The modern usage has expanded to include various contexts such as absentee voting or absentee landlords.

The word 'absentee' originated in the mid 18th century from the Latin word 'absentia', meaning 'absence'. It was initially used to describe someone who is not present in a particular place, especially in the context of work or voting. Over time, it has become a common term in English to refer to individuals who are regularly missing from their obligations without a valid reason.

See also: absenteeism, absently, absentminded, absentmindedly.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #16,300, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.