no-show

1 of 2

noun

ˈnō-ˌshō 

-ˈshō

1

: a person who reserves space (as on an airplane) but neither uses nor cancels the reservation

2

: a person who buys a ticket but does not attend

broadly : a person who is expected but who does not show up

3

: failure to show up

no-show

2 of 2

adjective

: of, relating to, or being a job for which the holder is paid but performs few duties or is rarely present for work

Examples of no-show in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

These no-show interviews are draining small businesses of valuable resources when they're already stretched thin, while unemployment claimants continue to receive and benefit from hard-working citizen's taxpayer dollars. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 12 Feb. 2025

Although Kelce appeared to be a no-show at the party the DJs played, the room was filled with fans and kids dressed in Chiefs gear. —Gabrielle Rockson, People.com, 11 Feb. 2025

Adjective

After ending their season with an NIT no-show against UCF, the Gators face a roster makeover and push to become one of the next quick turnarounds in college basketball. —Orlando Sentinel Podcasts, Orlando Sentinel, 20 Mar. 2023

The concept of the no-show summer job was common knowledge at least as far back as the 1950s. —Bob Ryan, BostonGlobe.com, 18 Mar. 2023

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1819, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Adjective

1955, in the meaning defined above