notably absent

USAGE SUMMARY

"notably absent" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to describe something or someone that is noticeably or significantly missing or lacking in a particular situation or group. Example: Despite being a gathering of renowned scientists, the conference was notably absent of any female speakers.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Notably absent?

The New Yorker

Notably absent: everything else.

The New York Times - Tech

Eggplant was notably absent.

The New Yorker

Notably absent was Nauru.

The New York Times - Magazine

The plunging rouble is notably absent.

The Economist

Such concerns are notably absent now.

The Economist

Notably absent was the i8 Concept Spyder.

The New York Times

Notably absent are Paramount and Walt Disney.

The New York Times

But its bleakest hours are notably absent.

Independent

Mao and his successors are notably absent.

The Economist

Campers are notably absent from the book.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "notably absent" to point out omissions or absences that are significant or surprising to the reader. This draws attention to the missing element and its potential impact.

Common error

Avoid using "notably absent" in very casual or informal writing. Simpler terms like "missing" or "left out" may be more appropriate for everyday conversation or less formal documents.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "notably absent" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying an adjective. It indicates the degree to which something is missing, emphasizing that the absence is significant and worthy of note. Ludwig AI confirms this usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Science

15%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "notably absent" serves to emphasize a conspicuous or significant absence. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it functions as an adverbial phrase modifying an adjective, drawing attention to what is missing in a given context. The phrase is most frequently found in news media and scientific publications, indicating a relatively formal tone. Alternatives such as "conspicuously missing" or "noticeably lacking" offer similar meanings, but the choice depends on the desired nuance. When writing, use "notably absent" to underscore omissions that have potential importance or impact for the reader.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

conspicuously missing

Emphasizes the obviousness of the absence.

noticeably lacking

Highlights the lack of something in a perceptible manner.

notably lacking

A synonym that focuses on the deficiency or insufficiency.

remarkably missing

Stresses the unusual or surprising nature of the absence.

distinctly missing

Highlights the clear and definite nature of the absence.

significantly absent

Indicates the absence is important or consequential.

patently absent

Stresses the obvious and undeniable character of the absence.

prominently missing

Suggests the absent element should be easily seen or recognized.

observably missing

Indicates that the absence can be easily seen or noted.

glaringly absent

Implies the absence is extremely obvious and hard to ignore.

FAQs

How can I use "notably absent" in a sentence?

"Notably absent" is used to highlight something or someone that is conspicuously missing. For example, "The key witness was "notably absent" from the trial".

What are some alternatives to saying "notably absent"?

Alternatives include phrases like "conspicuously missing", "noticeably lacking", or "remarkably missing", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "notably absent" or "notably missing"?

Both "notably absent" and "notably missing" are correct, but "notably absent" is generally preferred when referring to a person or thing that should be present. "Notably missing" can also work, but might slightly shift the focus to the act of missing something.

What's the difference between "notably absent" and "significantly absent"?

"Notably absent" emphasizes the conspicuousness of the absence, whereas "significantly absent" highlights the importance or consequence of the absence. The choice depends on whether you want to stress the visibility or the importance of what's missing.