Collocation is the way words combine in a language to produce natural-sounding speech and writing. Collocation runs through the whole of the English language. No piece of natural spoken or written English is completely free of collocation.
For example, we say “in a short time” and not “in a small time.”
Learning collocations helps us speak and write English more naturally and correctly.
Collocation with “Absence”
The word absence combines naturally with many other words.
1. Absence as a Noun + Adjective
Some common collocations are:
lengthy absence
long absence
prolonged absence
brief absence
temporary absence
unauthorized absence
Examples
His prolonged absence worried the teachers.
After a brief absence, she returned to work.
The company took action against his unauthorized absence.
2. Absence in a Prepositional Phrase
We often use in someone’s absence.
Example
I did all the cooking in my wife’s absence.
More examples:
The class remained quiet in the teacher’s absence.
Decisions were made in the manager’s absence.
3. Absence as a Phrase
Conspicuous by one’s absence
Meaning: a noticeable or deliberate absence.
Example
The manager was conspicuous by his absence during the board meeting.
More examples:
The captain was conspicuous by his absence in the final match.
She was conspicuous by her absence at the family function.
Reference : Oxford Collocations dictionary for students of English