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

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

According to the most recent data, Michigan had the highest rate of chronic absenteeism in the Midwest, with more than a quarter (28%) of students missing 10% or more of school days. —CBS News, 17 June 2026

By the time an employee seeks care, the human and business costs might have been building for months, through lower productivity, absenteeism, manager strain and team disruption. —Stephen Sokoler, Forbes.com, 12 June 2026

Polarization, student absenteeism, picket fences and ‘Shear Madness,' in readers’ eyes. —Letters To The Editor, Washington Post, 12 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