ab·sen·tee·ism \ˌ ̷ ̷ ̷ ̷ˈ ̷ ̷ˌizəm\noun (-s) 1.: protracted or permanent absence of an owner from his property < absenteeism of landlords > 2.: continual interruption of attendance < effect of absenteeism on factory production > < absenteeism of school children > < his record of absenteeism >