absence of work

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "absence of work" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where there is no work being done or available, often in contexts related to employment or productivity. Example: "The company is facing challenges due to the absence of work during the off-season."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

45 human-written examples

Unrest followed the absence of work.

The Washington Post

In the absence of work, only the "threat" remains.

The Guardian - Opinion

In the absence of work there was now welfare.

Independent

The anxiety over the absence of work is pervasive, and in some cases heartbreaking.

The New York Times

In the modern experience, poverty is closely associated with unemployment or the absence of work.

The Guardian - Opinion

The reason I'm puzzled is that, in my rather narrow-minded definition, a holiday means the absence of work.

The Guardian - Travel

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

15 human-written examples

Moscow is different, if only because the absence of working mechanisms for succession are a real threat to the international order.

The New York Times

Part of the difficulty of prompting any action in Albany is the absence of working coalitions, even though the Democratic Party, at least nominally, is in control.

The New York Times

"In the absence of working law enforcement, we therefore do what internet engineers have always done – build more secure software," he added.

The New York Times

This lack of integration is clearly depicted by the absence of works that address prices in agent-based models (ABM), despite being considered an essential variable in markets.1.1

Complex Adaptive Systems Modeling

The absence of working class voices in British politics is representative of inequality in British society as a whole.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "absence of work", consider the context. It can refer to unemployment, leisure, or a deliberate lack of work in a specific process. Be clear about which meaning you intend.

Common error

Avoid using "absence of work" when you specifically mean 'lack of effort' or 'negligence'. "Absence of work" generally refers to a state of being without employment or a break from labor, not necessarily a failure to perform tasks.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "absence of work" functions primarily as a noun phrase. Ludwig AI indicates that it is used to denote a situation where work is not present or available. It can refer to unemployment, lack of activity, or freedom from labor.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

37%

Academia

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

4%

Unknown/unmatched sources

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "absence of work" is a grammatically correct and commonly used noun phrase that describes situations where work is not present or available. As Ludwig AI confirms, it frequently appears in diverse contexts, including news, science, and academia. Its meaning can range from describing unemployment and its socio-economic effects to referring to leisure time or the lack of activity in a specific process. When writing, it's important to consider the specific context to avoid ambiguity, ensuring clarity about whether you're discussing unemployment, leisure, or another form of inactivity. While alternatives like "lack of employment" and "idle time" exist, "absence of work" maintains a neutral tone suitable for various audiences.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lack of employment

Focuses on the state of not having a job.

joblessness

Highlights the condition of being without a job.

unemployment

Emphasizes the state of being out of work and actively seeking employment.

idle time

Refers to time spent not working or being productive.

time off work

Highlights a period of leave or absence from one's job.

non-working hours

Refers to periods outside of scheduled work time.

downtime

Focuses on periods of inactivity or rest, often in a professional context.

cessation of work

Emphasizes the ending or stopping of work activities.

retirement

Specifically refers to the permanent withdrawal from the workforce.

leisure time

Focuses on time dedicated to relaxation and enjoyment, free from work obligations.

FAQs

How can I use "absence of work" in a sentence?

You can use "absence of work" to describe situations where there is no employment, such as, "The anxiety over the "absence of work" is pervasive, and in some cases heartbreaking." Alternatively, it can refer to free time or a break from labor.

What are some alternatives to "absence of work"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "lack of employment", "unemployment", "idle time", or "leisure time".

Is it better to say "lack of work" or "absence of work"?

Both phrases are acceptable, but ""absence of work"" often implies a more complete or deliberate lack, while "lack of work" can suggest insufficiency.

Can "absence of work" refer to leisure activities?

Yes, in some contexts, "absence of work" can refer to leisure or free time, especially when contrasting it with periods of labor or employment.