absence · noun /ˈæb.səns/
absence (NOT PRESENT)
B2 C or U when someone is not where they are usually expected to be
Dictionary examples:
A new manager was appointed during/in her absence.
She has had repeated absences from school this year.
Learner example:
Anyway, during your absence, the T.V. repair man never appear[ed] and I had to insist by phone on your behalf. (First Certificate in English; B2; Spanish)
absence (NOT EXISTING)
B2 U when something does not exist
Dictionary example:
He drew attention to the absence of concrete evidence against the defendant.
Learner example:
The biggest difference the absence of TV made in my life was that I actually started living. (First Certificate in English; B2; Russian)
