leave of absence

noun phrase

1
: permission to be absent from duty or employment
2

Examples of leave of absence in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The teacher had taken a leave of absence from the school while battling depression and had returned to the school late last year, Yonhap reported, citing police. Fernando Cervantes Jr., USA TODAY, 12 Feb. 2025 The female teacher had taken a leave of absence for medical reasons before prematurely returning to work late last year, the education office official told the briefing. Reuters, NBC News, 11 Feb. 2025 Yonhap reported, citing police, that the teacher had returned to the school last year after taking a leave of absence due to depression. Nicole Acosta, People.com, 10 Feb. 2025 But if your job adds stress or affects your ability to treat your disease, consider taking a medical leave of absence or quitting to prioritize your health.15 Look for other ways to keep busy, such as a new hobby, writing about your experiences, or volunteering if your energy allows. Lana Barhum, Verywell Health, 3 Feb. 2025 See all Example Sentences for leave of absence 

Word History

First Known Use

1756, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of leave of absence was in 1756

Dictionary Entries Near leave of absence

Cite this Entry

“Leave of absence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/leave%20of%20absence. Accessed 21 Feb. 2025.

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