An Etymological Dictionary of Astronomy and Astrophysics

Voluntary non attendance at work, without valid reason. Absenteeism means either habitual evasion of work, or willful absence as in a strike action. It does not include involuntary or occasional absence due to valid causes, or reasons beyond one’s control, such as accidents or sickness (BusinessDictionary.com).

See also: → absent; → -ism.