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

Districtwide, chronic absenteeism has since improved to 29%, but Black students continue to be disproportionately affected, despite shifting demographics. —Maddie White, CBS News, 28 May 2026

Lack of reliable access to menstrual products contributes to absenteeism, missed instructional time, and difficulty concentrating in class. —Gale Brewer, New York Daily News, 28 May 2026

At a primary school serving refugees in western Uganda’s Nakivale settlement, one teacher credits PlayMatters with reducing absenteeism. —ABC News, 27 May 2026

California’s chronic absenteeism crisis has deepened, with roughly one in five students now missing so much school that their academic trajectories are permanently affected, while responses have been inadequate. —Mercury News Editorial Board, Mercury News, 27 May 2026

Word History

Etymology

absentee + -ism

First Known Use

1829, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Rhymes for absenteeism

• ageism
• deism
• theism
• manichaeism