absence
noun
ab·sence
ˈab-sən(t)s 
1
: a state or condition in which something expected, wanted, or looked for is not present or does not exist : a state or condition in which something is absent
an absence [=lack] of detail
In the absence of reform [=without reform], progress will be slow.
2
a
: a failure to be present at a usual or expected place : the state of being absent
an unexplained absence from work
His absence was noted by the teacher.
The meeting continued in his absence. [=without him being present]
They were conspicuous by their absence. [=it was very noticeable that they were not present]
b
: the period of time that one is absent
She recently returned to work after a long absence.
3
: inattention to present surroundings or occurrences
—usually used in the phrase absence of mind
blamed the error on absence of mind
Examples of absence in a Sentence
Moreover, he has this field pretty much to himself, for while there are many popular writers on science, there are few on engineering, an absence that is all the more remarkable since without engineering our technological world could not function.
—
Witold Rybczynski, New York Review of Books, 9 June 2005
The 1990 census revealed that 21 percent of 25-year-olds were living with one or both parents, up from 15 percent in 1970. Some young people are not moving out at all before their mid-20s, but many more are doing an extra rotation through the family home after a temporary or lengthy absence.
—Paul McFedries, Word Spy, 2004
Called the Galápagos of the East, the Seychelles Islands, in the Indian Ocean, have been inhabited for only the past 200 years. In humanity's absence, nature ran wild: Tens of thousands of giant tortoises still lumber along the beaches, and a palm forest shelters … rare black parrots.
—Audubon, September-October 1998
Only five to six inches long and weighing less than two ounces, the elf owl is the smallest bird of prey in the world. Its bobbed tail, white "eyebrows," and absence of ear tufts give this tiny mothlike predator its impish appearance.
—Ken Lamerton, Bird Watcher's Digest, May/June 1996
The products showed a remarkable absence of defects.
He had many absences from work.
I expected to see her and was surprised by her absence.
She returned to the company after a long absence.
Witold Rybczynski, New York Review of Books, 9 June 2005
The 1990 census revealed that 21 percent of 25-year-olds were living with one or both parents, up from 15 percent in 1970. Some young people are not moving out at all before their mid-20s, but many more are doing an extra rotation through the family home after a temporary or lengthy absence.
—Paul McFedries, Word Spy, 2004
Called the Galápagos of the East, the Seychelles Islands, in the Indian Ocean, have been inhabited for only the past 200 years. In humanity's absence, nature ran wild: Tens of thousands of giant tortoises still lumber along the beaches, and a palm forest shelters … rare black parrots.
—Audubon, September-October 1998
Only five to six inches long and weighing less than two ounces, the elf owl is the smallest bird of prey in the world. Its bobbed tail, white "eyebrows," and absence of ear tufts give this tiny mothlike predator its impish appearance.
—Ken Lamerton, Bird Watcher's Digest, May/June 1996
The products showed a remarkable absence of defects.
He had many absences from work.
I expected to see her and was surprised by her absence.
She returned to the company after a long absence.
Recent Examples on the Web
The case began after a friend of Elizabeth Wilhoite called authorities over concerns about her absence from work, according to court records.
—Sarah Nelson, The Indianapolis Star, 19 Apr. 2024
The home’s elevated position and absence of ground-floor windows further enhance its defensive capabilities, and the deep overhangs protect the home from weather stress and damage.
—Emma Reynolds, Robb Report, 19 Apr. 2024
In that absence, the groups will be providing water, medical aid, portable toilets, trash pickup and more on Hippie Hill in Golden Gate Park on Saturday, where thousands are expected to still gather.
—Mallory Moench, TIME, 19 Apr. 2024
The presence or absence of pier protections does not provide a clear indication of whether a bridge can withstand a vessel strike.
—Júlia Ledur, Washington Post, 18 Apr. 2024
But the relative absence of stone tool fragments — what archeologists call lithic —demonstrates that peoples’ time in the tunnels was relatively transitory.
—Paul Smaglik, Discover Magazine, 17 Apr. 2024
The most notable absence from practice was left back Jordi Alba, who left the game with an apparent right hamstring injury.
—Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 17 Apr. 2024
What differentiates Wisk from its competitors is the absence of a pilot.
—Gideon Lewis-Kraus, The New Yorker, 15 Apr. 2024
In a showing of support for Biden, dozens of members of the late John F. Kennedy's family visited the White House last month to celebrate St. Patrick's Day − with Robert F. Kennedy a notable absence.
—Joey Garrison, USA TODAY, 12 Apr. 2024
Sarah Nelson, The Indianapolis Star, 19 Apr. 2024
The home’s elevated position and absence of ground-floor windows further enhance its defensive capabilities, and the deep overhangs protect the home from weather stress and damage.
—Emma Reynolds, Robb Report, 19 Apr. 2024
In that absence, the groups will be providing water, medical aid, portable toilets, trash pickup and more on Hippie Hill in Golden Gate Park on Saturday, where thousands are expected to still gather.
—Mallory Moench, TIME, 19 Apr. 2024
The presence or absence of pier protections does not provide a clear indication of whether a bridge can withstand a vessel strike.
—Júlia Ledur, Washington Post, 18 Apr. 2024
But the relative absence of stone tool fragments — what archeologists call lithic —demonstrates that peoples’ time in the tunnels was relatively transitory.
—Paul Smaglik, Discover Magazine, 17 Apr. 2024
The most notable absence from practice was left back Jordi Alba, who left the game with an apparent right hamstring injury.
—Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 17 Apr. 2024
What differentiates Wisk from its competitors is the absence of a pilot.
—Gideon Lewis-Kraus, The New Yorker, 15 Apr. 2024
In a showing of support for Biden, dozens of members of the late John F. Kennedy's family visited the White House last month to celebrate St. Patrick's Day − with Robert F. Kennedy a notable absence.
—Joey Garrison, USA TODAY, 12 Apr. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'absence.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Articles Related to absence
Dictionary Entries Near absence
Cite this Entry
“Absence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/absence. Accessed 23 Apr. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
absence
noun
ab·sence
ˈab-sən(t)s
1
: the state of being absent
2
: the time that one is absent
3
: want entry 2 sense 1a, lack
absence of detail
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