noun
truancy
TROO-uhn-see
Truancy (noun) means the act of staying away from school without permission or a valid reason. Example: “The school introduced text alerts to parents in an effort to cut truancy.”
noun
1
The act of staying away from school without permission or a valid reason.
"The school introduced text alerts to parents in an effort to cut truancy."
"He was fined after his daughter's truancy reached forty missed days in a year."
2
Absence from any duty or place where a person is expected to be, without leave.
"Her truancy from board meetings eventually cost her the seat."
How to use truancy
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishMissing school without permission.
When to use it
Formal and often legal or official; teachers and courts use it, pupils themselves rarely do.
Memory tip
Truancy is a noun. To describe the act with a verb, say 'play truant' rather than 'truancy' on its own.
Trace the full origin ↓
Easily confused with
Common pairings
persistent truancy
truancy rates
tackle truancy
truancy officer
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The school introduced text alerts to parents in an effort to cut _____.
Etymology
From truant, which came into English from Old French truant meaning 'vagabond' or 'beggar'.
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for truancy
See all rhymes for truancy →Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between truancy and an authorised absence?
An authorised absence is one the school has agreed to, such as illness or a medical appointment. Truancy is absence the school has not approved, whether the pupil is hiding it from parents or the parents have kept them off without an accepted reason.
What is the verb form of truancy?
There is no common verb 'to truant' in everyday use. British English says 'to play truant' or informally 'to skive', while American English says 'to play hooky' or 'to skip school'.
Can parents be punished for truancy?
In many countries yes. Because the legal duty is on the parent to ensure a child receives an education, persistent unauthorised absence can lead to fines or prosecution of the parent rather than the child.
What is the meaning of truancy?
"truancy" (noun) means the act of staying away from school without permission or a valid reason.
