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.

Despite the national veneration of units like Vizirenko’s, Ukraine has struggled to recruit and retain fighters, with about 200,000 listed as absent without leave, Ukraine’s Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov told the country’s parliament in January.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 25, 2026

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

Gen. Lee has proclaimed a pardon for all soldiers, now absent without leave, who report for duty within 20 days, and he appeals to their patriotism.

From A Rebel War Clerk's Diary at the Confederate States Capital by Jones, John Beauchamp