How to pronounce word in English - English Word Dictionary- Learn English free online - English Learning Online

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

absence

ab·sence [ ˈab-sən(t)s]

absence

noun

[ˈab-sən(t)s]

Definition of absence

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.

2a : 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

Synonyms & Antonyms for dainty

Synonyms: Synonyms

Recent Examples on the Web

//The auction houses suffered in the absence of any major estate sales.
— Scott Reyburn, New York Times, "For Auctions, It’s ‘No Froth,’ but ‘Steady.’ That’s the New Normal.," 15 Nov. 2019
//Wall Street Journal Pollution Prediction The International Energy Agency says greenhouse gas emissions are likely to rise through 2040, in the absence of radical governmental action.
— David Meyer, Fortune, "How to Get the Data Engine Humming," 13 Nov. 2019
//In fact, most big fortunes are made up of assets that, in the absence of the estate tax, wouldn't be taxed even once.
— Jimmy Gomez For Cnn Business Perspectives, CNN, "Hiking the estate tax will help close the wealth gap," 7 Nov. 2019
//Mario Hezonja made his first start with the Blazers in the loss to the 76ers, as coach Terry Stotts elected to go small in the absence of Whiteside.
— Joe Freeman, oregonlive, "Portland Trail Blazers at Golden State Warriors: Game preview, TV channel, how to watch live stream," 4 Nov. 2019
//And props to Chiefs backup QB Matt Moore, who notched the victory in his second start of the season and salvaging a likely split in the absence of reigning MVP Patrick Mahomes (kneecap) — whom K.C. didn't rule out until Sunday morning. 14a.
— Nate Davis, USA TODAY, "32 things we learned from Week 9 of the 2019 NFL season," 4 Nov. 2019
//In the absence of gravity to hold a cookie on its baking sheet, the dough on board the station will be suspended in a special holder and mounted in the center of a cylindrical oven chamber.
— William Harwood, CBS News, "An oven is heading to space so astronauts can bake cookies," 2 Nov. 2019
//In this sense, post-colonial states reproduced a core feature of colonial rule: in the absence of a strong state, maintaining political stability depended on a combination of coercion and co-option.
— Jonathan Fisher, Quartz Africa, "How colonial rule committed Africa to fragile authoritarianism," 2 Nov. 2019
//When Kane was injured last season, Son went up front and performed superbly, scoring a number of goals in the absence of their talisman.
— SI.com, "Dele Alli: Why the Spurs Starlet Has Fallen Apart and How He Can Be Put Back Together," 2 Nov. 2019

First Known Use of absence

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2a

History and Etymology for absence

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

Dictionary Entries near absence