The department head is absent today, so I will handle it in their place.
彼の不在中に重要な電話があった。
There was an important phone call during his absence.
disregard; indifference; lack of consideration
Used as a suffix, often in critical or formal contexts, to indicate that a person or group is being ignored or left out of consideration. Common in phrases like 国民不在 (disregard for the people).
See also: 国民不在 (こくみんふざい)
この政策は国民不在の議論で決められた。
This policy was decided through discussions that disregarded the people.
利用者不在のサービス改善は意味がない。
Service improvements that ignore the users are meaningless.
I'll be away from the office for a week on a business trip.
The discussion took place without the person concerned present.
A package arrived while he was away.
The receptionist told the visitor that the manager was out.
notice of absence; mail hold request · missed-delivery notice
absentee voting