absence

The state of being away from a place or the people you usually spend time with.

• We missed him during his absence.
• She returned after a long absence.
• Who will care for the dog in my absence?

How to use it: in someone’s absence (Maya will lead the team in my absence.); absence from somewhere (His absence from home worried his family.)

Similar words: being away

Opposites: presence

Common phrases: in someone’s absence, long absence, absence from home

The fact that something is missing or does not exist.

• There was an absence of light.
• The absence of evidence made the case difficult.
• A complete absence of support forced us to stop.

How to use it: absence of something (The absence of rain damaged the crops.)

Similar words: lack

Opposites: presence

Common phrases: absence of something, complete absence, total absence

An occasion or period when someone is not at school, work, or another expected place.

• She had three absences last month.
• Please explain your absence from class.
• His long absence delayed the project.

How to use it: absence from somewhere (His absence from work lasted a week.)

Similar words: nonattendance

Opposites: attendance

Common phrases: absence from school, unexplained absence, frequent absence