awol

USAGE SUMMARY

"awol" is a correct and commonly used English word.
It stands for "absent without leave" and is usually used to refer to someone who is absent from work or school without permission, or an army member who has gone absent without official leave. Example: "The student was marked as awol after he failed to show up for his classes several days in a row."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

When the actual prize-giving began, it turned out that two of the judges – highly respected poets who had won several awards themselves – had gone awol.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Ranger has been awol since November, Cubero has work permit problems and Orlandi's deal involves a release clause.

The Guardian - Sport

Reports at the time suggested three of the four Guinean athletes competing went awol, along with five from the Democratic Republic of the Congo and seven Cameroonians.

The Guardian

After Bosnia, his next deployment, he went AWOL.

The Economist

Trade ministers will therefore need to have at least a skeleton agreement in agriculture, industrial goods and services by December 2005 when they gather in Hong Kong for the World Trade Organisation's biannual meeting.America AWOL?Unfortunately, there are several reasons to fear that the Doha negotiators will not get there.

The Economist

Yet there is something withheld about him that shows itself in long silences and the occasional going AWOL.

The Economist

He will now serve until the city council appoints a successor, who will serve until a special election is held next year.Even before Mr Levy went AWOL a recall petition had started to circulate.

The Economist

He has her sent to Mexico, where she meets an AWOL soldier (Robert Young), and they later fall in love.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Villa's concentration appeared to go Awol as first Jamie Mackie and then Shaun Wright-Phillips were given time to pick their passes, the ball eventually being worked to the unmarked Cissé.

Independent

"That means you can have ghost employees; you can have Awol employees; individuals who are under multiple names collecting pay cheques; and there's no way to account for it.

Independent

After the spectacular no-show of the young Ukrainian at his last major London engagement (when he went Awol days before the opening of Midnight Express, in which he was due to star), even his most ardent fans may have thought twice before shelling out to see him again.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider context carefully. In formal writing, "absent without leave" might be preferable, while in informal settings, "gone missing" or "skipped out" could be suitable.

Common error

Avoid using "awol" when a person's absence is known or authorized. For instance, do not use "awol" when a person is on vacation or sick leave. "Awol" implies unauthorized absence or desertion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "awol" functions primarily as an adjective, describing a state of being absent without leave or permission. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through its examples, which showcase its application in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Encyclopedias

5%

Science

26%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "awol" is a versatile term meaning absent without leave or permission, originating from military use but now common in broader contexts. Ludwig AI's analysis of numerous examples shows that it's grammatically correct and widely accepted. While its original military connotation remains, it's now frequently used in news media and informal settings to describe any unauthorized absence. When using "awol", remember to consider the context, avoiding it in situations where absence is authorized or known. Alternatives like "absent without leave" may be more suitable in formal settings. Understanding its nuances ensures clear and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

absent without leave

Formal military term specifying unauthorized absence.

absent without permission

Broader term applicable to any situation where absence is unauthorized.

deserted

Implies intentional abandonment of duty or responsibility.

missing in action

Specifically refers to military personnel whose whereabouts are unknown during conflict.

unaccounted for

Indicates that someone's whereabouts are unknown and unexplained.

gone missing

General term for someone whose location is unknown, not necessarily implying wrongdoing.

truant

Specifically refers to unauthorized absence from school.

skipped out

Informal term suggesting a sudden or secretive departure.

off the grid

Implies a deliberate attempt to become untraceable.

not present

Simple and neutral way to state someone's absence.

FAQs

How is "awol" used in a sentence?

"Awol" is used to describe someone who is absent without permission, particularly in military contexts. Example: "The soldier went "awol" after disagreeing with orders." It can also describe situations when someone goes missing or their concentration drifts.

What's a more formal alternative to "awol"?

A more formal alternative is "absent without leave", which is the full form of the acronym and typically used in official reports or military communications.

Can "awol" be used outside of military contexts?

Yes, "awol" can be used informally to describe someone who is unexpectedly absent from a responsibility or commitment. For example, "My concentration went "awol" during the meeting."

What is the difference between ""awol"" and "desertion"?

"Awol" refers to being absent without permission, while "desertion" implies a permanent intention to abandon one's duty, especially in the military. Desertion is a more serious offense than simply being "awol".