unexcused
gb/ʌnˈɛkskjˈuzd/ us/ʌnˈɛkskjˈuzd/
B2
English
Senses
0 senses
adjective
B2
property
1
not officially accepted or allowed
Not accepted as having a good reason, especially by a school or job.
Usage pattern:
unexcused [absence/tardiness/violation]
Common mistake:
Learners may confuse unexcused (not officially accepted as an excuse) with inexcusable (so bad it cannot be forgiven).
Synonyms
unjustified (Emphasizes a lack of good reason; less tied to formal permission.)
|
unauthorized (Emphasizes lack of permission rather than lack of an excuse.)
Antonyms
excused (Officially accepted as having a valid reason.)
|
justified (Supported by a good reason, whether official or not.)
Collocations
unexcused absence
|unexcused absences
|unexcused tardiness
|unexcused lateness
|unexcused missed class
|unexcused no-show
|unexcused violation
|unexcused delay
|unexcused failure to appear
|marked unexcused
Themes
education
|work
|law
|daily_life
Examples
- Because she didn’t bring a doctor’s note, her absence was recorded as unexcused.
- Three unexcused tardies can lead to detention at this school.
- The policy treats an unexcused no-show as a resignation.
Learner examples
- My absence was unexcused.
- He got an unexcused tardy.
adjective
C1
state
2
not forgiven or apologized for
Not forgiven or not treated as OK.
Usage pattern:
go/remain unexcused
Common mistake:
Unexcused here is about being forgiven or accepted; it does not mean “without making an excuse” (use without an excuse / unapologetically depending on meaning).
Synonyms
unforgiven (More directly about forgiveness; not necessarily about giving reasons.)
|
unpardonned (More formal and less common; focuses on pardon.)
Antonyms
forgiven (No longer blamed for it.)
|
pardoned (Formally or officially forgiven.)
Collocations
go unexcused
|remain unexcused
|left unexcused
|an unexcused insult
|an unexcused outburst
|an unexcused mistake
Themes
relationships
|communication
|emotions
Examples
- His remark went unexcused, and the room stayed tense.
- The mistake was unexcused because no one took responsibility for it.
- She refused to let the behavior go unexcused.
Learner examples
- His rude comment was unexcused.
Grammar
Dictionary form
unexcused
IPA
GB/ʌnˈɛkskjˈuzd/
US/ʌnˈɛkskjˈuzd/
Syllables & stress
un - ex - cused (3 syllables)
Stress on 2nd syllable (ex)
Word forms
Adjective
- Base: unexcused
- Comparative: unexcuseder
- Superlative: unexcusedest
Expressions
unexcused absence
1/ʌnˈɛkskjˈuzd ˈæbsəns/
fixed phrase
absence not accepted as valid
A time you are not there, and the school or job does not accept your reason.
Examples
- The handbook says one unexcused absence lowers your grade.
- He has two unexcused absences already this month.
- Please email the office so today is not counted as an unexcused absence.
unexcused leave
1/ʌnˈɛkskjˈuzd lˈiv/
fixed phrase
formal
time off not officially approved
Taking time off that is not approved.
Examples
- The employee was disciplined for taking unexcused leave.
- Unexcused leave may result in a loss of pay under the contract.
- Supervisors must document any unexcused leave.
unexcused tardiness
1/ʌnˈɛkskjˈuzd tˈɑɹdinəs/
fixed phrase
formal
lateness not accepted as valid
Being late when your reason is not accepted.
Examples
- Unexcused tardiness will be reported to the attendance office.
- She received a warning after repeated unexcused tardiness.
- The policy distinguishes between excused and unexcused tardiness.