• (GA)
  • IPA: /ˈæb.sn̩s/, /ˈæb.sn̩ts/
  • qual in the medical sense IPA: /ˈæbsɒns/, /æbˈsɒns/

absence (uncountable)

1. A state of being away or withdrawn from a place or from companionship; the period of being away. [First attested around 1350 to 1470.]

   Absence makes the heart grow fonder.

   • 1611, The Holy Bible, […] (King James Version), imprinted at London: By Robert Barker, […], OCLC 964384981 ↗, Philippians 2:12 ↗:

     Not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence.

2. Failure to be present where one is expected, wanted, or needed; nonattendance; deficiency. [First attested around 1350 to 1470.]
3. Lack; deficiency; nonexistence. [First attested around 1350 to 1470.]

   He had an absence of enthusiasm.

   • In the absence of conventional law.

4. Inattention to things present; abstraction (of mind). [First attested in the early 18^th century.]

   absence of mind

   • Reflecting on the little absences and distractions of mankind.

5. (medical) Temporary loss or disruption of consciousness, with sudden onset and recovery, and common in epilepsy. [First attested in the mid 20^th century.]
6. (fencing) Lack of contact between blades.

• missingness

• (state of being away) presence
• (lack, deficiency, nonexistence) existence, possession, sufficiency

• absent
• absentee
• absenteeism
• absential

• French: absence
• German: Abwesenheit, Absenz
• Italian: assenza
• Portuguese: ausência
• Russian: отсу́тствие
• Spanish: ausencia

• French: absence, manque
• German: Abwesenheit, Fehlen
• Italian: assenza
• Portuguese: ausência, falta
• Russian: отсу́тствие
• Spanish: ausencia, falta

• French: absence
• German: Abwesenheit
• Portuguese: falta de atenção
• Russian: рассе́янность
• Spanish: ausencia

• German: Absence