nonappearance Syllabification: (non·ap·pear·ance)Pronunciation: /ˌnänəˈpi(ə)rəns/Definition of nonappearance noun failure to appear or be present, especially at a gathering or engagement. Law failure to appear or be present in a court of law, especially as a witness, defendant, or plaintiff. nonappearance in other Oxford dictionaries Definition of nonappearance in the British & World English dictionary