missed work

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "missed work" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It typically refers to the absence from work due to various reasons such as illness, personal emergency, or vacation. Example: I'm sorry I missed work yesterday, I was feeling quite unwell. Here, "missed work" is used to indicate that the speaker was absent from work the previous day. Other examples include: - He was fired for excessive missed work. - I had to make up for all the missed work after my vacation. - She's been struggling to catch up on all the missed work since she returned from her maternity leave.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Employers struggle with how to pay people who missed work.

The New York Times

Another occurrence would mean more medical bills and missed work.

The New York Times

There was a period when I really missed work.

The New York Times

When she missed work, she was not paid.

The New York Times

He also soon acquired the addict's other bad habits: he lied, missed work, made endless excuses.

The New York Times - Health

In June 2010, he began feeling sick, and so run-down that he frequently missed work.

The New York Times

That's not to mention all the injuries, emergency-room visits, disabilities and missed work days.

The New York Times

I was a high-functioning alcoholic who never crashed a car, never missed work.

The Guardian - Opinion

About a dozen calls had been placed to the employer on the days he missed work.

The New York Times

But every day she missed work was a lost wage, a smaller paycheck.

The New York Times

The days she missed work, she also missed pay, and she was fired in June 2003.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Clarify the reason behind the "missed work" (e.g., illness, vacation, personal leave) to provide context and avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "missed work" when you actually mean work that is incomplete or outstanding. "Missed work" refers to absence, whereas "unfinished work" refers to tasks not yet completed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "missed work" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often acting as the object of a verb or preposition. It denotes the state or instance of not being present at one's job. Ludwig AI confirms this with examples showing it used to describe absence due to illness, personal reasons, or other circumstances.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

2.5%

Reference

2.5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "missed work" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe absence from one's job. As Ludwig AI confirms, it appears frequently in diverse sources, including news, scientific articles, and general online content. When using the phrase, it's important to be precise about the reasons for the absence and the resulting impact. Consider synonyms like "absence from work" or "time off work" based on the desired level of formality. Be aware that confusing it with "unfinished work" is a common error.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

absence from work

Focuses on the state of being away from work, rather than the act of missing it.

time off work

Emphasizes the duration of absence, implying a planned or approved leave.

work absence

A more formal and direct way of stating that someone is not present at work.

unable to work

Highlights the reason for absence, suggesting an inability to perform job duties.

away from work

Simply states the location of the person, not being at their workplace.

off work

A more informal and shorter way of saying away from work.

skipped work

Suggests a deliberate choice to not attend work, often implying disapproval.

failed to attend work

More formal and emphasizes non-attendance without specifying the reason.

work non-attendance

A very formal term indicating the fact of not being present at the workplace.

job absenteeism

A term used in organizational settings, to indicate a pattern of absences.

FAQs

How do I accurately document "missed work" for HR purposes?

Maintain precise records of employee absences, including dates, reasons, and any required documentation like doctor's notes. Use a standardized system to track and analyze "missed work" patterns over time.

What are some strategies to minimize "missed work" in a team?

Promote a healthy work environment, encourage work-life balance, and offer flexible work arrangements. Implement clear attendance policies and address any underlying issues contributing to frequent absences.

Which is more appropriate, "absence from work" or "missed work"?

"Absence from work" is a more formal and general term, while "missed work" often implies a specific instance or reason for not being present. The choice depends on the context and desired level of formality. You could use "absence from work" in official reports and "missed work" in casual conversations.

What are the financial implications of "missed work" for businesses?

"Missed work" can lead to reduced productivity, project delays, and increased labor costs due to overtime or temporary replacements. Accurately calculating these costs helps businesses understand the impact of absenteeism.