absenteeism

noun

ab·​sen·​tee·​ism ˌab-sən-ˈtē-ˌi-zəm 

1

: chronic absence (as from work or school)

also : the rate of such absence

2

: prolonged absence from a property by its owner or proprietor

Examples of absenteeism in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Most organizations view turnover, absenteeism and workers’ compensation claims as outcomes for HR or EHS to manage, after the fact. — Allan Malcolm, Forbes.com, 1 Oct. 2026

As reported this month, chronic absenteeism is also down more than 8 percentage points since 2022, reaching its lowest level since the pandemic. — Joshua L. Michael, Baltimore Sun, 1 Oct. 2026

The coalition said one of its goals is to help teachers access air purifiers, noting that absenteeism has increased since COVID emerged. — Mikayla Price, CBS News, 16 Sep. 2026

Experts who spoke to Scientific American said these programs can have broad benefits, including on student test scores, absenteeism and food insecurity. — Ari Sen, Scientific American, 15 Sep. 2026

Word History

Etymology

absentee + -ism

First Known Use

1829, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Rhymes for absenteeism

• ageism
• deism
• theism
• manichaeism