What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
absence
Example
Her absence from the meeting was noticed by everyone. [absence: noun]
Example
The absence of evidence does not prove anything. [absence: noun]
Example
He was marked absent for missing too many classes. [absent: adjective]
omission
Example
The omission of his name from the list was a mistake. [omission: noun]
Example
She realized her omission of the key details in the report. [omission: noun]
Example
He regretted his omission of the apology during the conversation. [omission: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Absence is more commonly used than omission in everyday language. Absence is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while omission is more specific and often used in legal or academic settings.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between absence and omission?
Both absence and omission can be used in formal and informal contexts. However, omission is more commonly used in formal settings such as legal or academic writing, while absence can be used in both formal and informal contexts.