No-show (8)
I believe the answer is:
'no-show' is the definition.
(person who has not shown up for something)
This is all the clue.
(Other definitions for absentee that I've seen before include "to prompt a hearty increase in affection!" , "one's failed to show up" , "Someone not present" , "One who stays away" , "One is not present when required" .)