English dictionary

absence Meaning & Definition

Q: What is the plural of absence?

The plural of absence is absences.

ˈab-sən(t)s

What Does Absence Mean?

Absence is a noun that means a state or condition in which something expected, wanted, or looked for is not present or does not exist. It is also used to mean a failure to be present at a usual or expected place.

Absence in Brief

Part of speech	noun
Pronunciation	/ˈab-sən(t)s/
Syllables	2
Synonyms	petit mal epilepsy, lack and need
Antonyms	presence, adequacy and enough
Plural	absences

Absence Definition (Noun)

a state or condition in which something expected, wanted, or looked for is not present or does not exist : a state or condition in which something is absent
an absence =lack of detail / In the absence of reform =without reform, progress will be slow.
a failure to be present at a usual or expected place : the state of being absent
an unexplained absence from work / His absence was noted by the teacher. / The meeting continued in his absence. =without him being present / They were conspicuous by their absence. =it was very noticeable that they were not present
the period of time that one is absent
She recently returned to work after a long absence.
inattention to present surroundings or occurrences

Synonyms of Absence

petit mal epilepsy lack need needfulness want dearth missingness

Absence synonyms and antonyms →

Absence in a Sentence

Absence makes the heart grow fonder.

During Jane's absence, Mark will be taking charge.

He had an absence of enthusiasm.

absence of mind

an absence =lack of detail

In the absence of reform =without reform, progress will be slow.

an unexplained absence from work

His absence was noted by the teacher.

The meeting continued in his absence. =without him being present

They were conspicuous by their absence. =it was very noticeable that they were not present

She recently returned to work after a long absence.

the absence of volunteers to be troop leaders is putting the scouting program in real jeopardy

in the absence of ferry service to the island, the ecotourists had to charter a plane

an absence =lack of detail / In the absence of reform =without reform, progress will be slow.

an unexplained absence from work / His absence was noted by the teacher. / The meeting continued in his absence. =without him being present / They were conspicuous by their absence. =it was very noticeable that they were not present

Word Forms & Grammar

absence

absence of mind

absences

conspicuous by their absence

in the absence of

absence (usually uncountable, plural absences)

Words That Rhyme With Absence

lab since

Origin of Absence

Origin 1: Middle English, borrowed from Anglo-French, borrowed from Latin absentia, noun derivative of absent-, absens absent:1

Origin 2: From Middle English absence, from Old French absence, ausence, from Latin absentia, from absēns (“absent”), present active participle of absum (“to be away or absent”), from ab (“from, away from”) + sum (“to be”).

First Known Use

14th century

How to Pronounce Absence

Absence is pronounced /ˈab-sən(t)s/ and has 2 syllables, with the main stress on the first syllable (ab).

Absence: Your Questions Answered

What part of speech is absence?

Absence is a noun.

What is another word for absence?

Words with a similar meaning to absence include petit mal epilepsy, lack and need. See the full list of absence synonyms and antonyms.

What is the opposite of absence?

Words opposite in meaning to absence are presence, adequacy, enough and sufficiency.