ab·sence 
/ˈæbsəns/ noun
plural ab·senc·es /ˈæbsəns/ noun 1 [singular] : a state or condition in which something expected, wanted, or looked for is not present or does not exist : a state or condition in which something is absent
▪ There was an absence [=lack] of enthusiasm in the crowd. [=the crowd was not enthusiastic] ▪ The products showed a remarkable absence of defects. ▪ In the absence of reform [=without reform], progress was slow. ▪ With the (continued) absence of rain [=because of the lack of rain], crops have begun to dry up. 2 [count] a : a failure to be present at a usual or expected place
▪ He had many absences from work. ▪ I expected to see her and was surprised by her absence. ▪ He was conspicuous by his absence. [=it was very noticeable that he was not present]
b : a period of time when someone is not present at a place, job, etc.
▪ She returned to the company after a long/prolonged absence. — see also leave of absence ◊The saying absence makes the heart grow fonder means that you tend to like someone better when that person goes away for a time.
▪ She'll be away for a month, but you know what they say—absence makes the heart grow fonder.
▪ There was an absence [=lack] of enthusiasm in the crowd. [=the crowd was not enthusiastic] ▪ The products showed a remarkable absence of defects. ▪ In the absence of reform [=without reform], progress was slow. ▪ With the (continued) absence of rain [=because of the lack of rain], crops have begun to dry up.
▪ He had many absences from work. ▪ I expected to see her and was surprised by her absence. ▪ He was conspicuous by his absence. [=it was very noticeable that he was not present]
b : a period of time when someone is not present at a place, job, etc.
▪ She returned to the company after a long/prolonged absence. — see also leave of absence ◊The saying absence makes the heart grow fonder means that you tend to like someone better when that person goes away for a time.
▪ She'll be away for a month, but you know what they say—absence makes the heart grow fonder.
in someone's absence 1 : while someone is away
▪ The study was completed in her absence. 2 : in the place of someone who is not present
▪ He was asked to speak in his brother's absence.
▪ The study was completed in her absence.
▪ He was asked to speak in his brother's absence.
