absenteeism

noun

ab·​sen·​tee·​ism ˌab-sən-ˈtē-ˌi-zəm How to pronounce absenteeism (audio)
1
: prolonged absence of an owner from his or her property
2
: chronic absence (as from work or school)
also : the rate of such absence

Examples of absenteeism in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
This approach is not without consequences: burnout, declining productivity, higher turnover, and absenteeism inevitably follow. Julia Korn, Forbes.com, 24 June 2025 Chronic absenteeism is a nationwide phenomenon, one that is fueling falling test scores in this state and others. Steven Walker, The Orlando Sentinel, 5 June 2025 All of this comes as chronic absenteeism has been a struggle for schools in general since the COVID-19 pandemic. Lexi Lonas Cochran, The Hill, 19 June 2025 Orlando Sentinel Florida schools face alarming rise in student absences since pandemic The COVID-19 pandemic sparked high absenteeism in public schools statewide, and five years later thousands of students miss weeks of school each year. Garfield Hylton, The Orlando Sentinel, 6 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for absenteeism

Word History

Etymology

absentee + -ism

First Known Use

1829, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of absenteeism was in 1829

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Cite this Entry

“Absenteeism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/absenteeism. Accessed 8 Jul. 2025.

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