absence

plural absences · alternative abs.

1. uncountableusuallyA state of being away or withdrawn from a place or from companionship

   Absence makes the heart grow fonder.

   Synonyms: absentia

2. uncountableusuallyThe period of someone being away.First known use First attested around 1350 to 1470.

   During Jane's absence, Mark will be taking charge.

   1 more example

   Not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence.

   1611, The Holy Bible, […] (King James Version), London: […] Robert Barker, […], →OCLC, Philippians 2:12

   Synonyms: absentia

3. uncountableusuallyFailure to be present where one is expected, wanted, or needed; nonattendance; deficiency.First known use First attested around 1350 to 1470.

   Harry Kane was an absence in that first half. He touched the ball 11 times despite Spurs taking 62% of possession.

   2018 September 15, Barney Ronay, “Finely tuned Liverpool are really getting into Jürgen Klopp’s groove”, in The Guardian

   1 more example

   Then, in January, a creeping tsunami of train cancellations, triggered by major staff absences as a result of the aggressive transmissibility of Omicron, heaped further misery on rail users.

   2022 January 12, Nigel Harris, “Comment: Unhappy start to 2022”, in RAIL, number 948, page 3

4. uncountableusuallyLack; deficiency; non-existence.First known use First attested around 1350 to 1470.

   He had an absence of enthusiasm.

   2 more examples

   in the absence of higher and more authoritative sanctions the ordinances of foreign states, the opinions of eminent statesmen, and the writings of distinguished jurists, are regarded as of great consideration on questions not settled by conventional law

   1826, James Kent, Commentaries on American Law

   The narrow streets that twist and turn through the compact heart of Dent are surfaced with cobbles which, in the absence of pavements, spread right across from doorstep to doorstep.

   1980, AA Book of British Villages, Drive Publications Ltd, page 150

5. uncountableusuallyInattention to things present; abstraction (of mind).First known use First attested in the early 18ᵗʰ century.

   absence of mind

   2 more examples

   Reflecting on the little absences and distractions of mankind.

   1711 June 8 (Gregorian calendar), [Joseph Addison; Richard Steele et al.], “MONDAY, May 29, 1711”, in The Spectator, number 77; republished in Alexander Chalmers, editor, The Spectator; a New Edition, […], volume I, New York, N.Y.: D[aniel] Appleton & Company, 1853, →OCLC

   To conquer that abstraction which is called absence.

   c. 1824-1829, Walter Landor, Imaginary Conversations

6. uncountableusuallymedicineTemporary loss or disruption of consciousness, with sudden onset and recovery, and common in epilepsy.First known use First attested in the mid 20ᵗʰ century.
7. uncountableusuallyfencingLack of contact between blades.