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abbreviation

LOA

el-oh-AY

LOA (abbreviation) means Leave of absence: an agreed period away from work or study during which a person keeps their job or place. Example: “She is on LOA until the end of the semester.”

abbreviation
1
Leave of absence: an agreed period away from work or study during which a person keeps their job or place.
"She is on LOA until the end of the semester."
"HR approved a three-month LOA for medical reasons."
2
Length overall: the total length of a boat measured from the tip of the bow to the end of the stern.
"The marina cannot berth anything over twelve metres LOA."
3
Letter of authority or letter of authorisation: a document giving one party permission to act on another's behalf.
"The broker cannot contact your existing insurer without a signed LOA."

How to Use LOA

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishAn agreed stretch of time away from work or study.

When to use it

Chiefly used in HR, shipping and finance; spell it out on first mention in general writing.

Memory tip

The plural is LOAs; write it without full stops in modern usage.

Trace the full origin ↓
Easily confused with
Common pairings
on LOA request an LOA approved LOA LOA of 12 metres
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Fill the Gap

Can you complete this real example?

She is on _____ until the end of the semester.

Etymology

An initialism; the senses expand to "leave of absence", "length overall" and "letter of authority" respectively.

Origin: English

leave of absence sabbatical time off

Related Words

Rhymes for LOA

See all rhymes for LOA →

Frequently Asked Questions

What does LOA mean at work?

In a workplace it almost always means leave of absence — an approved period away from your job, which may be paid or unpaid depending on the reason and the employer's policy. Your role is normally held open for your return.

What is the difference between LOA and PTO?

PTO, or paid time off, is the pool of holiday and personal days you accrue and can book at will. An LOA is a longer, specially approved absence for a defined reason such as illness, caring duties or study, and is often unpaid.

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Definitions: FreeDict original editorial · etymology from FreeDict original editorial