Nonattending

Part of speech: adjective

Definitions

1. Failing to participate or be present in a designated setting or event
2. Characterizing a state of absence or lack of engagement in activities that necessitate attendance
3. Referring to individuals or entities that opt not to show up for scheduled gatherings or occasions

Etymology: "Nonattending" is a plain English compound: the prefix "non-", meaning "not", attached to "attending," the present participle of "attend." Its meaning follows directly from its parts. "Attend" comes from Latin "attendere," literally "to stretch toward" or "to give heed," so a nonattending person is one who does not turn their attention or presence toward an event or setting. The prefix "non-" is productive in English and has been used freely to form negations of existing words, so "nonattending" needed no special coinage. Its appeal lies mostly in its precision: it describes absence from a specific, expected gathering, which "absent" alone does not always convey.

Synonyms: absent, nonparticipating

Antonyms: attending, present