# ABSENT

The ABSENT function returns true if the input expression yields no non-null values within the current aggregation context; otherwise, it returns false.

## Syntax

`ABSENT(field)`

### Parameters

#### field

Expression that outputs values to be checked for absence.

## Examples

Determines whether the `languages` field is missing for employee number 10020.

```esql
FROM employees
| WHERE emp_no == 10020
| STATS is_absent = ABSENT(languages)
```

Checks if the `salary` field is absent within each group of employees sharing the same language.

```esql
FROM employees
| STATS is_absent = ABSENT(salary) BY languages
```

Returns 1 if the `languages` field is absent and 0 if it is present for employee number 10020.

```esql
FROM employees
| WHERE emp_no == 10020
| STATS is_absent = TO_INTEGER(ABSENT(languages))
```