absence

UK: /ˈæbs^əns/ US: /ˈæbsəns/ ,(ab′səns)

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2026

ab•sence /ˈæbsəns/   n. 

1. the state of being away or not being present:
   [uncountable] Absence makes the heart grow fonder.
2. [countable] a period of time of being away:
   an absence of several weeks.
3. [uncountable] lack;
   deficiency:
   the absence of proof.

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2026

ab•sence  (ab′səns), n. 

1. state of being away or not being present:
   I acted as supervisor in his absence. Your absence was noted on the records.
2. period of being away:
   an absence of several weeks.
3. failure to attend or appear when expected.
4. lack;
   deficiency:
   the absence of proof.
5. inattentiveness;
   preoccupation;
   absent-mindedness:
   absence of mind.

• Latin absentia. See absent, -ia
• Middle French
• Middle English 1350–1400

Antonyms

• 1. presence.

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

absence / ˈæbsəns/ noun

1. the state of being away
2. the time during which a person or thing is away
3. the fact of being without something; lack

Etymology: 14th Century: via Old French from Latin absentia, from absēns a being away