Awol Meaning in English

word

US

/ˈeɪˌwɔɫ/

AY-wawl

UK

/ˈeɪwɒl/

AY-wol

Definition

AWOL stands for 'Absent Without Leave' and means being away from your duty or place without permission, especially in the military. It can also be used informally when someone disappears or is unexpectedly not present.

Usage & Nuances

Originally a military term, 'AWOL' is now widely used informally for anyone unexpectedly missing or absent. Often said as an adjective ('go AWOL') or noun ('He went AWOL'). Mainly informal, sometimes humorous. Not the same as being sick or officially excused.

• Spanish: desaparecido - ausente sin permiso
• Portuguese (BR): ausente sem permissão
• Portuguese (PT): ausente sem permissão
• Chinese (Simplified): 擅离职守
• Chinese (Traditional): 擅離職守
• Hindi: अनुमति के बिना अनुपस्थित
• Arabic: متغيب بدون إذن
• Bengali: অনুপস্থিত (অনুমতি ছাড়া)
• Russian: самовольно отсутствующий
• Japanese: 無断離隊
• Vietnamese: vắng mặt không phép
• Korean: 무단 이탈
• Turkish: izinsiz ayrılan
• Urdu: بلا اجازت غیر حاضر
• Indonesian: kabur tanpa izin

Example Sentences

The soldier went AWOL during training.

basic

Three students went AWOL after lunch.

basic

He was punished for going AWOL from his post.

basic

My coworker has been AWOL all week—no messages, nothing.

natural

Sorry, I went AWOL after the party and just needed some time alone.

natural

If you keep going AWOL from meetings, the boss will notice.

natural