absenteeism

noun

ab·​sen·​tee·​ism ˌab-sən-ˈtē-ˌi-zəm How to pronounce absenteeism (audio)
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
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Other analyses highlight the chronic absenteeism of over 30% in major urban districts, a trend linked with lower achievement and broader disengagement over time. Matthew Kayser, USA Today, 17 Feb. 2026 Chronic absenteeism declined for the third year in a row and is now approaching the state average. Nina Burns, CBS News, 10 Feb. 2026 The Cordova school closed Thursday and Friday, 10 days after absenteeism started climbing. From Staff Reports, Memphis Commercial Appeal, 6 Feb. 2026 Chronic absenteeism is falling. Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 6 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for absenteeism

Word History

Etymology

absentee + -ism

First Known Use

1829, in the meaning defined at sense 2

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 21 Feb. 2026.

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