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

Amen 'Principal' Rahh not only worked to reimagine school culture, but has developed a platform to help fight absenteeism that's resonating with students. —Hannah Nwoko, Parents, 27 Oct. 2025

At one elementary school, ESF funded an after-school rugby program to help address chronic absenteeism. —Karen Billing, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Oct. 2025

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

Word History

Etymology

absentee + -ism

First Known Use

1829, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Rhymes for absenteeism

• deism
• theism