absenteeism

noun

ab·​sen·​tee·​ism ˌab-sən-ˈtē-ˌi-zəm 

1

: chronic absence (as from work or school)

also : the rate of such absence

2

: prolonged absence from a property by its owner or proprietor

Examples of absenteeism in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Kimberly Guerin, superintendent of Madison Elementary, said the district has been working to improve early childhood literacy and chronic absenteeism across the district. —Erick Trevino, AZCentral.com, 5 Nov. 2025

Chronic absenteeism rates in K-12 schools, which nearly doubled during the pandemic, are finally showing steady signs of improvement, according to a new report. —NPR, 4 Nov. 2025

Amen 'Principal' Rahh not only worked to reimagine school culture, but has developed a platform to help fight absenteeism that's resonating with students. —Hannah Nwoko, Parents, 27 Oct. 2025

At one elementary school, ESF funded an after-school rugby program to help address chronic absenteeism. —Karen Billing, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Oct. 2025

Word History

Etymology

absentee + -ism

First Known Use

1829, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Rhymes for absenteeism

• deism
• theism