in absentia

adverb

in ab·​sen·​tia ˌin-ab-ˈsen(t)-sh(ē-)ə 

: in absence

gave them the award in absentia

Examples of in absentia in a Sentence

She was convicted of the crime in absentia.

Recent Examples on the Web

However, only Atef Najib, Assad’s cousin, a security chief infamous for his brutality, is likely to face execution, the rest having been tried in absentia. — The Week Uk, TheWeek, 6 Sep. 2026

Over the course of Exile, one of Loktev’s subjects is poisoned; another receives a five-year prison sentence in absentia. — Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 4 Sep. 2026

The Tates can be tried in absentia in Romania, but the trial will not start immediately. — Reuters, CNN Money, 4 Sep. 2026

Though immigrants can sometimes reverse an in absentia order, there’s no guarantee of success. — Cameron Pugh, Christian Science Monitor, 28 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Latin

First Known Use

1698, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for in absentia

• differentia
• essentia
• potentia
• rodentia

Legal Definition

in absentia

adverb

in ab·​sen·​tia ˌin-ab-ˈsen-chə 

: in absence

sentenced in absentia

Etymology

Latin