conspicuous absence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "conspicuous absence" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a noticeable lack of someone or something that is expected to be present. Example: "The conspicuous absence of the CEO at the annual meeting raised many questions among the employees."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

There's also a conspicuous absence of stereotypes.

The Washington Post

A conspicuous absence of cigarette butts.

The Guardian - Opinion

There's now a conspicuous absence of subtlety.

The New York Times

But the biggest and most conspicuous absence is homes.

The New Yorker

The book's other conspicuous absence is anything resembling a row.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

There was a conspicuous absence of anger & passion.

The New Yorker

In his cabinet, there is a conspicuous absence of the political groups that helped him win.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld "was notable more for his frequent, conspicuous absences….

The New Yorker

But in a disquieting sign that politics still weighs heavily in the Kremlin's calculations, there were conspicuous absences.

The New York Times

For some time, Madonna was conspicuous by absence.

The Guardian - Music

And it now seems this conspicuous OLED absence is going to continue through 2015, too.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "conspicuous absence" when you want to emphasize that something or someone's absence is notable and draws attention. It implies that the absence is unexpected or significant in the given context.

Common error

While "conspicuous absence" is widely applicable, be mindful of your audience. In very informal settings, simpler phrases like "clearly missing" or "noticeably absent" may be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "conspicuous absence" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. As evidenced by Ludwig, it denotes a noticeable lack or non-presence of someone or something, emphasizing its significance.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "conspicuous absence" is a commonly used noun phrase that highlights a noticeable and significant lack of something or someone. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and appears frequently in news, scientific, and formal business contexts. While versatile, it tends toward formality and should be used judiciously in informal settings. Alternatives like "noticeable lack" or "striking void" may offer different nuances. The phrase serves to draw attention to an absence and its potential implications, making it a valuable tool for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

noticeable lack

Focuses on the lack being easily observed, rather than specifically highlighting the absence of something expected.

evident lack

Indicates the lack is obvious and undeniable.

remarkable nonappearance

Highlights the unexpected nature of the absence with a more formal tone.

marked unavailability

Indicates a clear and noticeable lack of availability.

striking void

Emphasizes the emptiness created by the absence, adding a dramatic effect.

glaring deficiency

Highlights how obvious and problematic the lack is.

patent omission

Suggests the absence was deliberate and easily detectable.

palpable nonexistence

Emphasizes that you can almost feel the absence of something.

flagrant want

Stresses the deficiency as being blatant and almost offensive.

ostentatious nonattendance

Implies the absence was intentionally made obvious.

FAQs

How can I use "conspicuous absence" in a sentence?

You can use "conspicuous absence" to highlight that someone or something is noticeably not present, especially when their presence would be expected or significant. For example, "The "conspicuous absence" of key witnesses hindered the investigation."

What are some alternatives to "conspicuous absence"?

Alternatives include "noticeable lack", "striking void", or "evident lack" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is "conspicuous absence" formal or informal?

"Conspicuous absence" leans towards the formal side, suitable for professional, news, or academic contexts. In more casual settings, phrases like "obviously missing" might be better choices.

What does "conspicuous absence" imply?

It implies that the absence is not only noticeable but also significant and perhaps even raises questions or concerns. It suggests that something is missing that should be there.