ab ‧ sence S3 W2 /ˈæbs ə ns/ BrE AmE noun
1 . [uncountable and countable] when you are not in the place where people expect you to be, or the time that you are away
in/during sb’s absence
Ms Leighton will be in charge during my absence (=while I am away) .
absence from
Her work involved repeated absences from home.
2 . [singular] the lack of something or the fact that it does not exist OPP presence
absence of
a complete absence of any kind of planning
In the absence of any evidence, the police had to let Myers go.
3 . absence makes the heart grow fonder used to say that being away from someone makes you like them more
⇨ leave of absence at ↑ leave 2 (3), ⇨ conspicuous by your absence at ↑ conspicuous (3)
• • •
COLLOCATIONS
■ adjectives
▪ a long absence
She was apprehensive about studying again after such a long absence.
▪ a prolonged absence (=continuing for a long time)
Requests for prolonged absence during term time are strongly discouraged.
▪ a lengthy absence
The injury may mean a lengthy absence from the team.
▪ a brief absence
Everything seemed to have changed during his brief absence.
▪ frequent absences (=happening often)
She disliked Stephen's frequent absences on business.
▪ repeated absences (=happening again and again)
Repeated absences from school can lead to children falling behind.
▪ a temporary absence
No one noticed her temporary absence.
▪ a sudden absence
It wasn't easy to deal with Hugh's sudden absence.
▪ an unexplained absence
Did he give a reason for his unexplained absence?
▪ unauthorized absence (=that you do not have permission for)
With the older pupils, unauthorized absence increased.
■ phrases
▪ somebody's absence from work/school
You will be entitled to sick pay in respect of any absence from work through sickness.
▪ a period of absence
You must submit a doctor's statement to cover the period of absence beyond the seventh day.