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

Academic recovery from the pandemic is still uneven, and chronic absenteeism — students missing 10% or more of school days — remains stubbornly high in Chicago Public Schools at roughly 40% of students, well above state and national averages. —Arne Duncan, Chicago Tribune, 1 May 2026

In addition, the district put a successful school bond on the ballot to continue renovations, worked to lower student absenteeism and emphasized greener campuses. —Howard Blume, Los Angeles Times, 1 May 2026

Meanwhile, chronic absenteeism has fallen in Alabama since 2019. —Brittany Adams, The Conversation, 28 Apr. 2026

But because funding is based on attendance, high rates of chronic absenteeism — especially since the pandemic — have had big financial impacts on school districts. —Jemma Stephenson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Apr. 2026

Word History

Etymology

absentee + -ism

First Known Use

1829, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Rhymes for absenteeism

• deism
• theism