absenteeism

noun

ab·​sen·​tee·​ism ˌab-sən-ˈtē-ˌi-zəm How to pronounce absenteeism (audio)
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The district’s chronic absenteeism and daily attendance rates serve as a holistic measure of how connected students feel to their schools, the sense of belonging, and support systems in place, CPS’s Hougard said. — Robert McCoppin, Chicago Tribune, 30 Oct. 2026 The index combines 12 factors, including test scores and chronic absenteeism, to produce one number representing the performance of Connecticut schools. — Theo Peck-Suzuki, Hartford Courant, 28 Oct. 2026 Why attendance is the number to watch Even in a traditional school year, districts across Texas have been wrestling with chronic absenteeism since COVID-19. — Lina Ruiz october 8, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 8 Oct. 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for absenteeism

Word History

Etymology

absentee + -ism

First Known Use

1829, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of absenteeism was in 1829

Rhymes for absenteeism

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Browse Nearby Words

absentee ballot
absenteeism
absentee landlord
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Cite this Entry

“Absenteeism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/absenteeism. Accessed 1 Nov. 2026.

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