Absence

/ˈæb.s(ə)n̩s/ · noun

Meaning

A state of being away or withdrawn from a place or from companionship.

Definitions by Sense

1. A state of being away or withdrawn from a place or from companionship
2. The period of someone being away.
3. Failure to be present where one is expected, wanted, or needed; nonattendance; deficiency.
4. Lack; deficiency; non-existence.
5. Inattention to things present; abstraction (of mind).
6. (medicine) Temporary loss or disruption of consciousness, with sudden onset and recovery, and common in epilepsy.
7. (fencing) Lack of contact between blades.

Example Sentences

Absence makes the heart grow fonder.

During Jane's absence, Mark will be taking charge.

Not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence.

Harry Kane was an absence in that first half. He touched the ball 11 times despite Spurs taking 62% of possession.

Then, in January, a creeping tsunami of train cancellations, triggered by major staff absences as a result of the aggressive transmissibility of Omicron, heaped further misery on rail users.

He had an absence of enthusiasm.

in the absence of higher and more authoritative sanctions the ordinances of foreign states, the opinions of eminent statesmen, and the writings of distinguished jurists, are regarded as of great consideration on questions not settled by conventional law

The narrow streets that twist and turn through the compact heart of Dent are surfaced with cobbles which, in the absence of pavements, spread right across from doorstep to doorstep.

Synonyms for absence

Antonyms for absence

Related Words

Word Forms

• absences
• abs.

Usage Notes

Choose a synonym only when it preserves the intended meaning, tone, and grammar of the full sentence.

Practice and Learn More

Frequently Asked Questions