Search Dictionary
Definition of absence

absence

/ˈæb.səns/
ab · sence
Adverb:absently
•
Plural:absences
•
Adjective:absent
JUMP TO:

absence Lexical Profile

absence Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

The state or period of being away from a place or person.

Example

"The teacher noted the student's unexplained absence from morning classes."

2

The nonexistence or lack of something.

Example

"In the absence of conclusive evidence, the jury voted to acquit the defendant."

3

Failure to pay attention; a temporary loss of focus or awareness, especially as a symptom of a brief epileptic seizure.

Example

"The pediatric neurologist diagnosed the child with brief epileptic absences."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for absence
Antonyms
View all antonyms for absence

• Nearby Words

abseil
abseiler
abseiling
absence
absent
absentee
absenteeism

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed from Old French 'absence', from Latin 'absentia', derived from the present participle 'absens' (being away), combining 'ab-' (away) and 'esse' (to be).

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Absence. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/absence
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.