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.
Useful signals include employee feedback surveys, workload trends, overtime trends and absenteeism. — Marcy Klipfel, Forbes.com, 1 Sep. 2026 Baltimore County Public Schools Superintendent William Heiser said physical and mental health can provide important clues when schools are trying to understand chronic absenteeism. — Nicky Zizaza, CBS News, 27 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 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
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Absenteeism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/absenteeism. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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