Words / B2

abs-uh-n-TEE/ˌæbsənˈtiː/

An absentee is a person who is not present when they are expected: an absentee from the roll; absenteeism. Absentee also describes ownership from a distance: an absentee landlord. Absence is the state (already related); truant is a pupil who stays away without leave. Quote the absentee rate in the attendance table, then the year. Mix-up: absentee vs absence; absent as the adjective; do not write absentee for a late arrival who is still on site.

Meaning

A person who is not present when they are expected; absentee also describes ownership from a distance (an absentee landlord).

Examples

• “Quote the absentee rate in the attendance table, then the year, not a slogan about “showing up”.”
• “An absentee landlord featured in the housing case, which is the distant-owner sense — still name the Act if given.”

Good to know

an absentee from; absentee landlord / ballot; the absentee rate. Related: absence / absent. Close: truant (pupils). Trap: a latecomer who is present. Citizenship, housing, and education. Someone missing from a required place — quote the rate or name the landlord.

Near in meaning

non-attender, truant, absentee landlord

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