absence
noun
ab·sence
ˈab-sən(t)s 
1
: 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.
2
a
: 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]
b
: the period of time that one is absent
She recently returned to work after a long absence.
3
: inattention to present surroundings or occurrences
—usually used in the phrase absence of mind
blamed the error on absence of mind
Examples of absence in a Sentence
Moreover, he has this field pretty much to himself, for while there are many popular writers on science, there are few on engineering, an absence that is all the more remarkable since without engineering our technological world could not function.
—
Witold Rybczynski, New York Review of Books, 9 June 2024
The 1990 census revealed that 21 percent of 25-year-olds were living with one or both parents, up from 15 percent in 1970. Some young people are not moving out at all before their mid-20s, but many more are doing an extra rotation through the family home after a temporary or lengthy absence.
—Paul McFedries, Word Spy, 2004
Called the Galápagos of the East, the Seychelles Islands, in the Indian Ocean, have been inhabited for only the past 200 years. In humanity's absence, nature ran wild: Tens of thousands of giant tortoises still lumber along the beaches, and a palm forest shelters … rare black parrots.
—Audubon, September-October 1998
Only five to six inches long and weighing less than two ounces, the elf owl is the smallest bird of prey in the world. Its bobbed tail, white "eyebrows," and absence of ear tufts give this tiny mothlike predator its impish appearance.
—Ken Lamerton, Bird Watcher's Digest, May/June 1996
The products showed a remarkable absence of defects.
He had many absences from work.
I expected to see her and was surprised by her absence.
She returned to the company after a long absence.
Witold Rybczynski, New York Review of Books, 9 June 2024
The 1990 census revealed that 21 percent of 25-year-olds were living with one or both parents, up from 15 percent in 1970. Some young people are not moving out at all before their mid-20s, but many more are doing an extra rotation through the family home after a temporary or lengthy absence.
—Paul McFedries, Word Spy, 2004
Called the Galápagos of the East, the Seychelles Islands, in the Indian Ocean, have been inhabited for only the past 200 years. In humanity's absence, nature ran wild: Tens of thousands of giant tortoises still lumber along the beaches, and a palm forest shelters … rare black parrots.
—Audubon, September-October 1998
Only five to six inches long and weighing less than two ounces, the elf owl is the smallest bird of prey in the world. Its bobbed tail, white "eyebrows," and absence of ear tufts give this tiny mothlike predator its impish appearance.
—Ken Lamerton, Bird Watcher's Digest, May/June 1996
The products showed a remarkable absence of defects.
He had many absences from work.
I expected to see her and was surprised by her absence.
She returned to the company after a long absence.
Recent Examples on the Web
In the absence of medicine’s ability to definitively identify autism’s causes, the myth’s certainty will tempt some people.
—Eleanor Menzin, TIME, 30 Jan. 2025
Miami’s first-round pick (15th overall) out of Indiana has blossomed in a starting role since the Heat went big in Butler’s absence.
—Greg Cote, Miami Herald, 30 Jan. 2025
Watford, who returned from a 21-game absence because of a left hamstring strain, finished with nine points and four rebounds in 18 minutes off the bench.
—C.j. Holmes, New York Daily News, 30 Jan. 2025
An emotional gulf has developed during his absence and the encounter is uneasy, as each tries to understand the other.
—Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 30 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for absence 
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Eleanor Menzin, TIME, 30 Jan. 2025
Miami’s first-round pick (15th overall) out of Indiana has blossomed in a starting role since the Heat went big in Butler’s absence.
—Greg Cote, Miami Herald, 30 Jan. 2025
Watford, who returned from a 21-game absence because of a left hamstring strain, finished with nine points and four rebounds in 18 minutes off the bench.
—C.j. Holmes, New York Daily News, 30 Jan. 2025
An emotional gulf has developed during his absence and the encounter is uneasy, as each tries to understand the other.
—Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 30 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for absence
Articles Related to absence
Cite this Entry
“Absence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/absence. Accessed 14 Feb. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
absence
noun
ab·sence
ˈab-sən(t)s
1
: the state of being absent
2
: the time that one is absent
3
: want entry 2 sense 1a, lack
absence of detail
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