awol
|a-wol|
🇺🇸
/eɪˈwoʊl/
🇬🇧
/eɪˈwɒl/
absent without permission
Etymology
'awol' originates from English, specifically the phrase 'absent without leave'.
'absent without leave' was abbreviated in military contexts to the initialism 'A.W.O.L.' in the early 20th century; the initialism later became lexicalized and is commonly written and spoken as the word 'awol'.
Initially it referred specifically to a military absence without permission; over time it broadened to mean any unauthorized absence or failure to appear (and is used in non-military contexts).
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
an instance of being absent without leave; a person who is absent without permission.
There was an awol in the platoon.
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Adjective 1
absent without official permission, especially from military duty.
The soldier was awol.
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Adverb 1
in a manner of being absent without leave; without permission.
He went awol during training.
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Idioms
Last updated: 2025/12/05 06:42