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

About five to eight schools receive the laundry machines each year in a program begun by Enchanted Backpack recently after principals and teachers suggested the donation would decrease absenteeism and boost student self-esteem. —Carole Carlson, Chicago Tribune, 9 Jan. 2026

Statewide student test scores and absenteeism rates — although improving — are worse than in 2018-19, before the COVID-19 pandemic. —Howard Blume, Los Angeles Times, 8 Jan. 2026

Seven in 10 said employee absenteeism — a parent staying home because their child couldn’t, for whatever reason, access child care that day — had been a problem. —Max Klaver, Miami Herald, 8 Jan. 2026

Study committees, one in each legislative chamber, have been looking at ways to reduce student absenteeism. —Lisa Morgan, AJC.com, 5 Jan. 2026

Word History

Etymology

absentee + -ism

First Known Use

1829, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Rhymes for absenteeism

• deism
• theism