in the absence of

in the absence of (someone or something)

Because someone or something is not available or present. You're a better cook than I am—what can we substitute in the absence of butter? In the absence of our secretary, who will log the minutes?See also: absence, of

in the absence of someone or something

while someone or something isn't here; without someone or something. In the absence of the cook, I'll prepare dinner. In the absence of opposition, she won easily.See also: absence, of