absenteeism

noun

ab·​sen·​tee·​ism ˌab-sən-ˈtē-ˌi-zəm 

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

Power, with Skillman, wrote that the mayor could help shore up reliable transportation, housing and health care to try to address long-standing absenteeism issues in Detroit schools where 61% of students missed 10% or more of the 2024-25 school year. —Beki San Martin, Freep.com, 24 Oct. 2025

Some of Borseth’s priorities if elected will include ensuring school security and safety, addressing chronic absenteeism and ending off-cycle, odd-year school board elections. —Talia McWright, Twin Cities, 19 Oct. 2025

Speakers noted that chronic absenteeism is down 30% from that high point, though it is still elevated for some groups, particularly Latino, Black and Indigenous students. —Anne Gelhaus, Mercury News, 19 Oct. 2025

Earlier diagnosis and appropriate treatment reduce absenteeism. —Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 18 Oct. 2025

Word History

Etymology

absentee + -ism

First Known Use

1829, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for absenteeism

• deism
• theism