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

While staffing levels in Austin have largely held steady, the broader strain on the agency has been evident nationally, with higher-than-normal absenteeism and hundreds of officers leaving since the shutdown began in mid-February. —Ana Gutierrez, Austin American Statesman, 19 Mar. 2026

The organization reports 87% of students in the program had reduced or no discipline incidents, and chronic absenteeism has dropped significantly. —Jamal Goss, CBS News, 17 Mar. 2026

The Transportation Security Administration warns rising absenteeism during the shutdown may disrupt airport operations nationwide. —Zach Wichter, USA Today, 17 Mar. 2026

Kerr’s role was to sell AllHere’s product — a chatbot intended to combat absenteeism and engage with families — to school districts. —Jake Shore, Miami Herald, 11 Mar. 2026

Word History

Etymology

absentee + -ism

First Known Use

1829, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Rhymes for absenteeism

• deism
• theism