Question

absence
ab·sence
 /ˈæbsəns/  noun  ,  pl   -senc·es
  1 [  singular  ] : a state or condition in which something expected, wanted, or looked for is not present or does not exist : a state or condition in which something is absent
   There was an absence [=lack] of enthusiasm in the crowd. [=the crowd was not enthusiastic]
   The products showed a remarkable absence of defects.
   In the absence of reform [=without reform], progress was slow.
   With the (continued) absence of rain [=because of the lack of rain], crops have begun to dry up.
  2 [  count  ]
  2 a : a failure to be present at a usual or expected place
   He had many absences from work.
   I expected to see her and was surprised by her absence.
   He was conspicuous by his absence. [=it was very noticeable that he was not present]
  2 b : a period of time when someone is not present at a place, job, etc.
   She returned to the company after a long/prolonged absence.
  — see also leave of absence
  ◇ The saying absence makes the heart grow fonder means that you tend to like someone better when that person goes away for a time.
   She'll be away for a month, but you know what they say–absence makes the heart grow fonder.
  in someone's absence
   1 : while someone is away
    The study was completed in her absence.
   2 : in the place of someone who is not present
    He was asked to speak in his brother's absence.