VocabDictionary

absentee

/ˌæb.sənˈtiː/intermediate Level

English Meaning & Definitions

1.noun

A person who is regularly or expectedly absent from work, school, or a specified place.

Example Sentences:
  • The teacher took roll call to check for any absentees.
  • High rates of absentees during the flu season forced the factory to slow production.
2.adjective

Not present at one's usual place of business, residence, or duty.

Example Sentences:
  • The company faced criticism from stockholders due to the absentee CEO.
  • He cast an absentee ballot before leaving on his overseas trip.
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English Synonyms & Near Equivalents

English Antonyms & Opposites

Comprehensive Thesaurus Breakdown

Compare formal, informal, literary synonyms and register nuances for “absentee”.

Thesaurus Entry
Cultural Origin & Etymology

Derived from the Latin 'absentem' (present participle of 'abesse', meaning 'to be away'), combined with the suffix '-ee' (denoting a person who is the recipient of an action or in a specified state), originating in the late 15th century.

Memory Aid & Mnemonic

Think of someone who is 'absent' and adds '-ee' to become the person who is missing.

Frequently Asked Questions About “absentee

1. What is the meaning of “absentee” in English?

In English, absentee (noun) is defined as: “A person who is regularly or expectedly absent from work, school, or a specified place.”.

2. How do you use “absentee” in a sentence?

The teacher took roll call to check for any absentees.

3. What are English synonyms of “absentee”?

Common synonyms include:truant,nonparticipant,defaulter,nonresident

4. What is the etymology and word origin of “absentee”?

Derived from the Latin 'absentem' (present participle of 'abesse', meaning 'to be away'), combined with the suffix '-ee' (denoting a person who is the recipient of an action or in a specified state), originating in the late 15th century.