unexpected absence

USAGE SUMMARY

"unexpected absence" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when referring to a person or a thing not being present when they were expected to be. For example, "The teacher had to cancel class due to an unexpected absence".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

Besides Mr. Harris's unexpected absence, two other mysteries arose in the courtroom.

The New York Times

Rumors about Mr. Chappelle's well-being abounded after Comedy Central said in May that production of the show was suspended because of Mr. Chappelle's unexpected absence.

The New York Times

This was largely caused by the unexpected absence of the "flying rivers", which each year bring down a huge amount of moisture from the Amazon.

The Guardian

Last week Comedy Central said it was suspending production of Mr. Chappelle's hit sketch show, which was to return for its third season May 31, because of the comedian's unexpected absence.

The New York Times

Such has it been for the Knicks that this nonexistent player may represent, in his bright and unexpected absence, the light at the end of a long, dark tunnel.

The New Yorker

In the case of "Independents" that creates a paradox: even as Ms. Keegan's collaborators strive to honor her intentions, the changes they make in her unexpected absence result in a certain dilution of her original contribution.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

Or so it seemed to his friends, who became used to his unexpected absences and thought of him as a perennial bachelor.

The New York Times - Books

Teleradiology can also be used to supplement coverage on evenings and weekends, and to fill-in for unexpected absences [24].

Insights into Imaging

Notable results include the variety of information needs, unexpected absences and low frequency categories, the expectation of practitioners that tomorrow's needs will be similar to today's, the apparent failure to satisfy those needs, and suggestions from respondents for improvements.

Design Studies

"Most appointments are to cover unexpected absences of regular staff due to sickness or other unforeseen events, for maternity cover or while the health board goes through the recruitment process to fill a new post or one that has become vacant," it said.

BBC

We reconfirmed unexpected absences with tblastn on Phytozome.

BMC Evolutionary Biology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the impact of an "unexpected absence", be specific about the consequences. For example, instead of saying "The unexpected absence caused problems", state "The unexpected absence of the lead engineer delayed the project timeline by two weeks."

Common error

Avoid simply stating an "unexpected absence" occurred without explaining its significance or consequences. Always clarify the effect of the absence on the situation or project.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "unexpected absence" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a situation where someone or something is not present when they were expected to be.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

68%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "unexpected absence" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to describe situations where someone or something is not present as anticipated. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Scientific writing. When using this phrase, ensure you clearly communicate the impact or consequences of the absence. Alternatives like ""sudden unavailability"" or "surprise absence" may be more appropriate depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

surprise absence

Emphasizes the element of surprise in the absence.

sudden unavailability

Focuses on the immediate lack of availability.

sudden non-appearance

Highlights the unexpected failure to appear.

unforeseen nonattendance

Highlights the lack of anticipation for the nonattendance.

unexpected non-presence

A more literal way to express the lack of presence.

unanticipated leave

Specifically refers to a leave of absence that wasn't expected.

unpredicted vanishing

Suggests a sudden and unexplained disappearance.

unheralded departure

Emphasizes the lack of announcement or warning before leaving.

surprise nonexistence

Suggests something expected to exist is surprisingly not there.

abrupt vanishing act

Conveys a sudden and mysterious disappearance, often used figuratively.

FAQs

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

You can use "unexpected absence" to describe someone or something not being present when they were expected to be. For example, "The meeting was postponed due to the speaker's "sudden unavailability"".

What are some alternatives to "unexpected absence"?

You can use alternatives like "unforeseen nonattendance", "surprise absence", or "unanticipated leave" depending on the context.

Is "unexpected absence" formal or informal?

"Unexpected absence" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, in highly formal situations, you might prefer "unforeseen nonattendance".

What is the difference between "unexpected absence" and "unplanned absence"?

While similar, "unexpected absence" emphasizes the surprise aspect, while "unplanned absence" focuses on the lack of planning or scheduling.