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

• conspicuous by its absence

Example Sentences

Apart from the absence of injured captain Zoe Aldcroft, who hopes to return for the knockout stages, England are near full strength.

From BBC

The house was filled with memories, which comforted me as much as they stung by critical absences.

From Los Angeles Times

“The Grand Finale” was shot while Smith was still alive, and the cast felt both her presence and her absence strongly on set.

From Los Angeles Times

Israel has yet to formally respond to the proposal – a decision that Egypt said on Tuesday reflected "a complete absence of Israeli will for de-escalation and achieving calm and peace".

From BBC

Children are being failed by the absence of dedicated bladder and bowel services in some parts of the country, an expert said.

From BBC

Related Words

• dearth 
• deficiency 
• drought 
• lack 
• omission