absenteeism
UK: ˌæbsənˈtiːɪzəm | US: ˌæbsənˈtiːɪzəm
n. habitual absence from work, school, or duty without valid reason.
n. the practice or condition of being frequently absent.
The word "absenteeism" combines "absentee" (derived from "absent," meaning "not present," from Latin absentem) with the suffix "-ism," indicating a practice or condition. Originally used in the 19th century to describe landowners who were habitually absent from their estates, it later generalized to any context of frequent absence. The morphemes reflect a logical progression: "absent" (state of not being present) + "-ee" (person associated with) + "-ism" (systematic behavior).
High absenteeism in the company led to decreased productivity.
Schools often track student absenteeism to identify at-risk learners.
Chronic absenteeism can result in disciplinary action.
The study linked poor workplace morale to rising absenteeism rates.
Policies were implemented to reduce absenteeism among employees.