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

During that time, there were also nonacademic improvements, such as lower absenteeism and suspension rates, in some public schools. — Kendall Deas, The Conversation, 6 July 2026

Untreated depression contributes to absenteeism, burnout, turnover, lost productivity and diminished innovation. — Brian Castrucci, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026

The report, released Tuesday, says the jury found that students with disabilities in the district face high rates of absenteeism and suspensions. — Chaewon Chung, Sacbee.com, 30 June 2026

The district continues to face ongoing challenges from declining enrollment and chronic absenteeism — both apparently exacerbated by federal deportation threats, according to some experts. — Howard Blume, Los Angeles Times, 22 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