nonappearance

noun

non·​ap·​pear·​ance ˌnän-ə-ˈpir-ən(t)s How to pronounce nonappearance (audio)
: failure to appear at an expected place or time
a nonappearance in court

Examples of nonappearance 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.
Ever since the interview aired, Ronaldo has been absent from Portugal’s training sessions and missed a warm-up game against Nigeria this week due to a stomach bug—a rare nonappearance for a player who would ordinarily jump at the chance to pad his all-time record of 117 international goals. — Joshua Robinson, WSJ, 18 Nov. 2022 Under the amendment passed by the Senate, patterns of failing to show up for court — but not a single nonappearance — can be used in making the argument for detention. — Jeremy Gorner, Chicago Tribune, 1 Dec. 2022

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of nonappearance was in the 15th century

Rhymes for nonappearance

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Browse Nearby Words

nonapparent easement
nonappearance
nonaquatic
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Cite this Entry

“Nonappearance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nonappearance. Accessed 23 Apr. 2025.

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Legal Definition

nonappearance

noun
non·​ap·​pear·​ance
ˌnän-ə-ˈpir-əns
: failure to appear in court to prosecute or defend
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