absence

noun

1. the state of being absent

   noun.state

   Examples

   He was surprised by the absence of any explanation.

   Source: WordNet 3.0

2. failure to be present

   noun.act

   Antonyms presence

   Source: WordNet 3.0

3. the time interval during which something or somebody is away

   noun.time

   Examples

   He visited during my absence.

   Source: WordNet 3.0

4. the occurrence of an abrupt, transient loss or impairment of consciousness (which is not subsequently remembered), sometimes with light twitching, fluttering eyelids, etc.; common in petit mal epilepsy

   noun.state

   Synonyms absence seizure

   Source: WordNet 3.0

5. A state of being absent or withdrawn from a place or from companionship; -- opposed to <i>presence</i>.

   noun

   Source: webster1913