absent without leave

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

While he was gone, Army leaders declared him absent without leave, opting to not consider him a deserter, which is far more serious.

From Seattle Times • Oct. 19, 2023

The Pentagon has so far described King’s formal status as “AWOL,” or absent without leave.

From Reuters • Aug. 4, 2023

The Navy said he had gone absent without leave and had been listed as an “active deserter” since March 11, 2019.

From New York Times • Jan. 20, 2023

A British soldier has gone absent without leave and may be trying to head to Ukraine, an Army source has confirmed to the BBC.

From BBC • Mar. 9, 2022

He lost his sight in August, 1863, while absent without leave.

From A Compilation of the Messages and Papers of the Presidents Volume 8, part 3: Grover Cleveland, First Term by Richardson, James D. (James Daniel)