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
But as of Monday, the two sides remained at odds, even as security lines at airports grew to hours in length because of Transportation Security Administration personnel’s absences due to lack of pay.
—Ramsey Touchberry, The Washington Examiner, 24 Mar. 2026
The seven-piece group is widely credited as pioneers of the K-pop genre, but the industry has grown increasingly competitive in their absence.
—Joseph Wilkins, CNBC, 23 Mar. 2026
During the 35-day shutdown in 2018-19, TSA saw unscheduled absences rise to 8% as officers struggled to find child care or fuel to get to work.
—Paul Vallas, Chicago Tribune, 23 Mar. 2026
For Wiggins, Monday’s clearance came after missing eight games with what was listed by the Heat as left big toe sesamoiditis, with the 31-year-old forward having last played in the March 5 home victory over the Brooklyn Nets, the Heat having gone 4-4 in his absence.
—Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 23 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for absence
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Ramsey Touchberry, The Washington Examiner, 24 Mar. 2026
The seven-piece group is widely credited as pioneers of the K-pop genre, but the industry has grown increasingly competitive in their absence.
—Joseph Wilkins, CNBC, 23 Mar. 2026
During the 35-day shutdown in 2018-19, TSA saw unscheduled absences rise to 8% as officers struggled to find child care or fuel to get to work.
—Paul Vallas, Chicago Tribune, 23 Mar. 2026
For Wiggins, Monday’s clearance came after missing eight games with what was listed by the Heat as left big toe sesamoiditis, with the 31-year-old forward having last played in the March 5 home victory over the Brooklyn Nets, the Heat having gone 4-4 in his absence.
—Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 23 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for absence
Cite this Entry
“Absence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/absence. Accessed 26 Mar. 2026.
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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