1
: a person who reserves space (as on an airplane) but neither uses nor cancels the reservation
2
: a person who buys a ticket but does not attend
broadly
: a person who is expected but who does not show up
3
: failure to show up
: of, relating to, or being a job for which the holder is paid but performs few duties or is rarely present for work
Examples of no-show in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Zak Spector, CBS News, 20 Nov. 2025
The indictment accused McCluskie, Williamson and Campbell of disguising the payments as remittances to McCluskie’s wife for a no-show political communications job with Williamson’s consulting firm, Grace Public Affairs.
—Lia Russell, Sacbee.com, 18 Nov. 2025
Orlando Sentinel Podcasts, Orlando Sentinel, 20 Mar. 2023
The concept of the no-show summer job was common knowledge at least as far back as the 1950s.
—Bob Ryan, BostonGlobe.com, 18 Mar. 2023
See All Example Sentences for no-show
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Noun
Madigan and his longtime political confidant Michael McClain were accused of conspiring with utility companies ComEd and AT&T to provide no-show jobs to Madigan's allies in exchange for the speaker's help on legislation.
—Zak Spector, CBS News, 20 Nov. 2025
The indictment accused McCluskie, Williamson and Campbell of disguising the payments as remittances to McCluskie’s wife for a no-show political communications job with Williamson’s consulting firm, Grace Public Affairs.
—Lia Russell, Sacbee.com, 18 Nov. 2025
Adjective
After ending their season with an NIT no-show against UCF, the Gators face a roster makeover and push to become one of the next quick turnarounds in college basketball.
—Orlando Sentinel Podcasts, Orlando Sentinel, 20 Mar. 2023
The concept of the no-show summer job was common knowledge at least as far back as the 1950s.
—Bob Ryan, BostonGlobe.com, 18 Mar. 2023
See All Example Sentences for no-show
Cite this Entry
“No-show.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/no-show. Accessed 5 Dec. 2025.
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