[, ]the fact of sb not being at work or at a meeting when they should be; the occasion or period of time when sb is away （某人）缺席，不在◆her repeated absences from work 她屡次缺勤◆The decision was made in my absence(= while I was not there). 这个决定是我不在时作出的。
[] the fact of sb/sth not existing or not being available; a lack of sth 不存在；不可用；没有◆We may have to sell the business to them in the absence of a higher offer. 在没有更高出价的情况下，我们可能不得不将公司卖给他们。◆the absence of any women on the board of directors 董事会中没有女性成员