Truant

/ˈtruːənt/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A student who stays away from school without leave or explanation.

The school principal was concerned about the number of truants in the district.

A person who shirks or avoids work or duty.

He was considered a truant from his responsibilities, always finding an excuse to avoid tasks.

adjective

Habitually absent from school without permission.

The truant students were called to the office for disciplinary action.

Neglectful of duty; absent or missing.

The truant nature of his attendance at meetings began to bother his colleagues.

Middle English, from Anglo-French 'truant', present participle of 'truver', meaning to escape.

truant officer

A person whose job is to ensure that students attend school.

truant behavior

Actions characterized by skipping school or avoiding responsibilities.

truant from school

To be absent from school without official permission.

absentee

A person who is expected or required to be present but is not.

skipper

One who skips or avoids something, especially school.

delinquent

A young person who regularly participates in unlawful behaviors.

Cutting class.

He's been cutting class all week, acting like a total truant.

Playing hooky.

She decided to play hooky and be a truant for the day.