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 school won the mayor's attendance challenge by decreasing chronic absenteeism by more than 20%. — Tara Lynch, CBS News, 24 Aug. 2026 The State Board of Education has set a target of 6% chronic absenteeism statewide; Russell-Tucker described that number as ambitious but achievable. — Theo Peck-Suzuki, Hartford Courant, 20 Aug. 2026 Balancing a new baby and the demands of a job on top of the debilitating effects of postpartum depression and anxiety can drive up absenteeism and undercut job performance. — Jessica Guynn, USA Today, 20 Aug. 2026 Chronic absenteeism – referring to students who miss 10% or more days of the school year – has become one of the most urgent problems across American schools since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. — Jerome A. Graham, The Conversation, 19 Aug. 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

See All Rhymes for absenteeism

Browse Nearby Words

absentee ballot
absenteeism
absentee landlord
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

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