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

Synonyms

• lack
• need
• needfulness

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.

Recent Examples on the Web

Hendrix took to Instagram to address her absence directly. —Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 29 Oct. 2025

Vincent's absence is awful news for the Lakers, who are already low on depth early in the season. —Acoloma, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Oct. 2025

In his absence, veteran free-agent addition Jaylon Moore has played capably, allowing only eight quarterback pressures over 119 pass-blocking snaps during his three starts, per Pro Football Focus. —Pete Sweeney, Kansas City Star, 28 Oct. 2025

The run game also suffered in Daniels’ absence, with the team only able to rack up 60 yards on the ground. —Ben Morse, CNN Money, 28 Oct. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, borrowed from Anglo-French, borrowed from Latin absentia, noun derivative of absent-, absens absent entry 1

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2a

Phrases Containing absence

• absence of mind
• conspicuous by their absence
• in someone's absence
• In the absence of
• leave of absence
• with the (continued) absence of

Kids 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