Truancy (in the UK, colloquially known as bunking off, wagging, skiving or Mitching. In the US, "playing hooky", "jigging", "ditching", "cutting") is a term widely used to describe an unauthorized absence from compulsory schooling. The term truancy, typically refers to chronic absences. Other colloquial terms such as "playing hooky" and "wagging" typically do not carry the same implied abuse (and some of these terms, particulary "cutting", are used in reference to postsecondary students, for whom schooling is not compulsary).

Beyond the effect missed schooling may have on a student's academic record, truancy may indicate more deeply embedded problems with the student, the education system, or both. Truancy is commonly associated with juvenile delinquency. In some countries, truancy may be penalized through severe consequences such as fines.

One intentional category of truancy during the Battle of Britain (1940) was somewhat encouraged by a safety edict that children returning to school at lunchtime should make their way to the nearest air raid shelter and stay there until the "All Clear" was signalled before making their way back to school - sensible advice, which was often debased by children staying outside to watch the overhead air battles.