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.

Last month the country's defence minister revealed that a staggering 200,000 soldiers were absent without leave.

From BBC • Feb. 4, 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

But, fortunately for me, General Leonidas Polk has issued an order that very day promising pardon to all soldiers absent without leave if they would return.

From "Co. Aytch" Maury Grays, First Tennessee Regiment or, A Side Show of the Big Show by Watkins, Sam R.