absentee
ab-sn-TEE
Absentee (noun) means someone who is not present where they are expected to be, such as work or school. Example: “The teacher marked down three absentees for the day.”
noun
1
Someone who is not present where they are expected to be, such as work or school.
"The teacher marked down three absentees for the day."
2
A property owner or voter who exercises their role remotely rather than in person.
"He submitted an absentee ballot before flying overseas."
"The building was neglected under an absentee landlord."
How to use absentee
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSomeone who is missing from where they should be — often used specifically for landlords and voters who act remotely.
Common pairings
absentee ballot
absentee landlord
absentee voter
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like absentee.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Plural
- absentees
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The teacher marked down three _____ for the day.
Etymology
Formed from absent plus the suffix -ee, following the same pattern as "employee" or "trainee."
Rhymes for absentee
See all rhymes for absentee →Frequently asked questions
What does “absentee” mean?
The word “absentee” means someone who is not present where they are expected to be, such as work or school. In plain terms, someone who is missing from where they should be — often used specifically for landlords and voters who act remotely.
How do you pronounce “absentee”?
“Absentee” is pronounced ab-sn-TEE (/ˌæb.sn̩ˈti/ in IPA).
How do you use “absentee” in a sentence?
Here is “absentee” used in a sentence: “The teacher marked down three absentees for the day.”
What part of speech is “absentee”?
“Absentee” is a noun.
How many meanings does “absentee” have?
“Absentee” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: someone who is not present where they are expected to be, such as work or school.
Featured in
Vocabulary lists that include absentee:
