truanting

UK: /ˈtruːəntɪŋ/

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2025

tru•ant /ˈtruənt/   n. [countable]

1. a student who stays away from school without permission.
2. one who neglects his or her duty.

adj. 

3. absent from school without permission.
4. neglecting to do one's duty.

tru•an•cy, n. [uncountable]

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2025

tru•ant  (tro̅o̅′ənt), n. 

1. a student who stays away from school without permission.
2. a person who shirks or neglects his or her duty.

adj. 

3. absent from school without permission.
4. neglectful of duty or responsibility;
   idle.
5. of, pertaining to, or characteristic of a truant.

v.i. 

6. to be truant.

• Celtic; compare Welsh truan wretched, wretch
• Old French: vagrant, beggar
• Middle English 1250–1300

tru′ant•ly, adv. 
Synonyms

• 2. idler, shirker, layabout, loafer, malingerer.

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

truant / ˈtruːənt/ noun

1. a person who is absent without leave, esp from school

adjective

1. being or relating to a truant

verb

1. (intransitive) to play truant

Etymology: 13th Century: from Old French: vagabond, probably of Celtic origin; compare Welsh truan miserable, Old Irish trōg wretched

ˈtruancy, ˈtruanting noun