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

The report, released Tuesday, says the jury found that students with disabilities in the district face high rates of absenteeism and suspensions. — Chaewon Chung, Sacbee.com, 30 June 2026

More engaged employees are 17% higher-performing and 21% more profitable, with 41% less absenteeism and up to 59% less turnover. — Bydr. Corrie Block, Forbes.com, 23 June 2026

The district continues to face ongoing challenges from declining enrollment and chronic absenteeism — both apparently exacerbated by federal deportation threats, according to some experts. — Howard Blume, Los Angeles Times, 22 June 2026

Its National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) told ABC News in 2023 that chronic absenteeism increased from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. — Arthur Jones Ii, ABC News, 18 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

absentee + -ism

First Known Use

1829, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Rhymes for absenteeism

• ageism
• deism
• theism
• manichaeism