excuses for missing homework

51 Best Homework Excuses (Serious, Funny, Strict Teachers)

Homework. No one wants to do it. But no one wants to get in trouble either. So, here are some of the best homework excuses that are serious, funny, and might even work for strict teachers!

As a teacher myself, I’ve heard most of these excuses. I laughed at a few and rolled my eyes at most.

At the end of the day, you’re only going to get away with not doing homework if you’ve got a solid excuse and a bunch of evidence to back it up. Good luck!

Cliché Homework Excuses

These are terrible homework excuses that, really, students should avoid. They might be fun to use, but most of them have been over-used. Your teacher won’t believe you unless you’ve brought some evidence along with you.

1. My Dog ate my Homework. Look, no one’s ever going to believe this one. Maybe avoid it unless you want to spend lunch time inside catching up.

2. My Computer Broke. This one’s more believable but it’s been over-used. Thanks to all the liars out there, this homework excuse is well and truly ruined.

3. My Mom Forgot It. Nothing like blaming your mother for your own failures. Most teachers would probably tell you to take a little personal responsibility and send you on your way.

4. The Internet was Out. As believable as any excuse, your teacher might tell you that you’d better buy yourself an old hardback encyclopedia.

5. My Grandma Died. Again. The oldest excuse in the book, I always ask for evidence of this. Some people seem to have 15 grandmas.

6. The Older Kids Took it off me and Tore it Up. Chances are, your teacher’s going to be very concerned by this. They might even escalate this to a disciplinary issue!

Related: A List of Extension Excuses for College Students

Funny Homework Excuses

These ones might get a laugh out of your teacher and your classmates. But, you’re not likely to get out of trouble in the long run.

7. My Mother wanted to Display it on the Fridge. You might get a few laughs from your friends out of this one. But, your teacher is going to tell you to go home, take it off the fridge, and bring it to class!

8. The Police Confiscated it as Evidence. This one might make your teacher pause and wonder. Why is it confiscated? Is it so poorly written that the police consider it an outrage? Maybe your joke will deflect them from punishing you, though.

9. I was Abducted by Aliens and They took It. If your teacher believes this one, let me know. I’ve got some air guitars to sell them.

10. I sent it to you in the Post. In this day and age, you might have to tell your teacher they should wait a few months to it arrive. The postal service isn’t what it used to be.

11. My Dad mistook it for a Letter and Posted it to China. Funny, but clearly not true. Your teacher is going to ask one simple question: why is your dad sending letters to China?

12. I had to burn it in the Fireplace to keep myself Warm. Like Pablo Escobar burning cash, you’ve thrown caution to the wind and thrown your homework book into the fire because, well, if you didn’t, you wouldn’t have survived the freezing cold night.

13. It flew out the Window of the Car. Just picture it. You’re frantically doing your homework on the drive to school. Your dad winds down the window and – woosh – the homework’s gone for good. And class is in just 15 minutes!

14. I thought I’d do it Tomorrow because I’ll be Older and Wiser Then. A clever joke, but you’re probably going to be known as the class clown from that moment onwa rd!

15. I did my Work. It’s all Up Here in my Head. Be prepared for your teacher to give you a snap quiz on the spot if you’re bold enough to say you’ve got it all in your head! But, if you pull it off, maybe you’ll get away without too much trouble.

16. I didn’t do it because I didn’t want to add to your Workload. Sure, it sounds nice, but your teacher will see right through this cheeky response. But hey, when you’ve got nothing to lose it’s worth a try.

17. My Hand fell Asleep and I didn’t want to Wake It. Imagine you were trying so hard to do your homework and write down those answers. But, your hand just wouldn’t obey your command!

18. My Cat ate it knowing that I’d Blame the Dog. This one’s a funny twist on “my dog ate my homework” that might just get a laugh out of your teacher (and a little bit of leniency).

Related: Excuses for Skipping Class in College

Excuses For Strict Teachers

Okay, here’s where things get serious. If you’ve got a teacher who you know is going to be mad, you need to come into this with a plan. Usually, that means providing evidence to support your excuse.

19. I was Sick. And I have a Sick Note. Being sick (genuinely!) is one of the few reasons for not doing your homework that might actually work. You’re going to want to be able to present a note from your parent and maybe even a doctor.

20. My Mother or Father went to Hospital. And here’s the Sick Note. If your mom or dad is in hospital, chances are you’re going to get a free pass. Bring evidence, even if it’s a photo of dad in the hospital bed with tubes coming out of his nose!

21. My Computer Screen Broke. And here’s a Picture. I’ve actually gotten this one from students a few times and it really took me back. I thought: “is this legit, or is this image from 3 years ago?” A receipt from the computer repair store with a date on it is usually a better piece of evidence. But then again, why didn’t you go to the library?

22. The computer broke, but here are my hand-written notes. I’m usually pretty impressed by this excuse. Your computer broke, but you still made the effort to give the homework a go anyway. Great resilience!

23. The wi-fi didn’t work, but here are my hand-written notes. This excuse is very similar to the previous one. If you turn up with nothing and say the wi-fi broke, the teacher probably won’t accept that excuse. But if you actually tried to write some notes anyway, well done!

24. I wasn’t here when the work was assigned. This is an excellent homework excuse for strict teachers. It’s really quite legitimate. How were you supposed to know you had homework!?

25. I tried, but I didn’t understand the Instructions. This puts the onus back on the teacher. Why didn’t they provide clearer instructions? It’s usually a good idea to show some evidence that you at least gave it a go, though.

26. I volunteer at the soup kitchen on Monday Nights. Everyone loves a good Samaritan. If it gets you out of homework, well, that’s just the universe giving you good karma.

27. I’m so sorry. I thought it was right here in my Bag! This one helps show that it at least is a genuine mistake.

28. I had way too much Homework for my other Class. Follow this one up with “You should talk to that teacher about how their overbearing homework requirements are impacting your students!”

29. The Library was Closed and I don’t have Internet at Home. This one might get you a little more sympathy. The fact you don’t have internet at home means you’re not as privileged as many other kids, so your teacher might let you off lightly.

Related: Fun Things to do when Bored in Class

Truthful Homework Excuses

30. I was too busy doing something more important. Your teacher is instantly going to say “what was more important than your education?” Don’t respond with “video games.”

31. My parents kept me really busy on the weekend. But I promise I’ll do it tonight. One thing I would say about this excuse is that you’re saying “Hey, take it up with my parents. I wanted to do some homework!” But, you’re also saying you’ve got a plan to get it done asap.

32. I was at football practice all night. Many teachers will still say “learning comes before sports” (which, as a teacher, I agree with). But, you’ve got a leg to stand on here. You don’t want to let your team down, which is fair.

33. I did my homework, but I left it at home. This excuse does show that you at least put the effort in. But, you failed at the finish line! Come to class tomorrow with the homework and you’ll win back some respect from your teacher.

34. I forgot I even had homework. Hey, it’s truthful. But you’re not going to get any sympathy for this one.

35. The computer didn’t break. It was the Printer this time! An excuse that’s almost as bad as “my computer broke”, the printer issues excuse at least needs some photographic evidence to back it up. And, why didn’t you email the homework to your teacher?

36. I had a Headache. Headaches are the worst. As a teacher myself, I’d probably have a little sympathy for this excuse if it’s a one-off. But, I’d expect my student to bring a note from the parent to corroborate the story.

37. The homework was far too Easy. This isn’t a good reason not to do homework. Your teacher is going to expect you to absolutely ace your next test.

38. My tutor accidentally took it home with them. Nothing like blaming your tutor for your own problems. As a teacher, I’d probably roll my eyes and tell you that you need to keep better track of your things.

39. I accidentally squished it in the bottom of my bag and now it’s got rotten apple juice all over it. This one’s funny to me because, well, as a kid this always used to happen to me. Rotten bananas were usually the culprit.

40. I spilled cereal all over it because I was doing it over breakfast. This sounds believable. I would tell my student the should at least show me the ruined homework as evidence. And, I’d also tell them that breakfast isn’t the best time to do your homework.

See a List of 11 Homework Statistics

Blame the Parents

41. My parents don’t believe in homework and won’t let me do it. There are some parents like this. If a student said this to me, I’d be on the phone to the parents. So, if you don’t want your teacher to call your parents, don’t use this excuse.

42. My mother said band practice was more important. It’s really hard for teachers to argue with parents via the student. But in my experience the teacher usually responds with: “you need to have better organization skills to get all of these things done in your own time!”

43. I help my father at work on a Tuesday afternoon. I just can’t get it done on Tuesdays. Once again, the teacher is likely going to tell you to have more organization skills. But, you might occasionally get an extension out of this. Especially if you let the teacher know in advance.

44. My father looked at it, said it was outrageous government indoctrination, and told me not to do it. While I think this is hilarious, it’s also something that happens a lot these days. Why is this world so divided? Science isn’t controversial, people!

45. My mother was looking over my homework and forgot to give it back to me. Okay, time for me to put my teacher voice on: “She didn’t forget to give it back to you. You forgot to ask for it back.”

46. My mother threw it in the trash. This must have been frustrating to you! A teacher with a quick wit will respond: “it shouldn’t have looked like trash then. You must have done a bad job!” Or, a more serious teacher might just tell you that you need to be more organized net time.

Blame the Teachers

47. You give too much Homework. There are plenty of people out there in this world who think teachers do give too much homework. They believe it’s not fair and it’s preventing children from leading a balanced and healthy life.

48. Your instructions are impossible to understand. This one really puts the pressure back on the teacher because you’re basically telling them that they’re bad at their job.

49. This was way too hard for me. You need to give me more guidance. Sometimes, it’s true, teachers do assign homework that’s way too hard. You do need to be resourceful and find ways to learn yourself. But at the same time, the teacher really should know better.

50. The homework is too easy. It’s a complete waste of my time. Assigning homework is like playing Goldilocks. It can’t be too hard, can’t be too easy.

51. Between you and all my other teachers, you’re assigning hours of homework every night. You all need to get together and resolve this. This one’s surely going to set a cat amongst the pigeons. The teachers are going to talk about this at their next staff meeting. But, they might coordinate and come back at you as a united front!

FAQ: How to Get Out of Doing Homework?

The best ways to get out of doing homework are to:

Let the teacher know in advance that you won’t be able to do it. Teachers respond better when you give them an excuse before time, not after.
Bring evidence of why you didn’t do it. If you want your teacher to truly believe your excuse, you need evidence. This can be notes, photos, receipts, or anything else proving your story is true.

Really, the best way to avoid any issues is to just do the homework in the first place. But if you’re reading this article, chances are the horses have left the stable. You’re at a stage where you’ve got to come up with an excuse because in 10 minutes your teacher is going to be asking you why you haven’t done anything!

Well, good luck with that! I hope you don’t get into too much trouble, but I also hope you learn that next time the best solution is to just get that homework done in advance.

Chris Drew (PhD)

Dr. Chris Drew is the founder of the Helpful Professor. He holds a PhD in education and has published over 20 articles in scholarly journals. He is the former editor of the Journal of Learning Development in Higher Education. [Image Descriptor: Photo of Chris]

Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd/ 5 Top Tips for Succeeding at University
Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd/ 50 Durable Goods Examples
Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd/ 100 Consumer Goods Examples
Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd/ 30 Globalization Pros and Cons

50 Best Excuses for Missing your Homework

We all have drained our brains thinking for the perfect lie that could save us from our teachers. While school days are said to be one of the most memorable days of our lives, homework is one thing that we all used to run away from and would do anything to be away from it. Nervousness tickles up the spine when the teacher starts calling out names, asking for homework, slowly coming up to your name.

And you did not do it!

That is a moment when your brain is thinking hard for a solution, eyes staring blankly at your friends to get help, mouth mindlessly chewing nails and legs just wishing they could let you run out of the room. Alas, none of the things usually work out and it is left up to you to save yourself. And by the time you could make up the perfect justification, your teacher asks, “What about your homework? Have you done it dear?”

“No, ma’am. I mean yes, but actually…”

Well, there is always hope. It can be a good help if you try out these excuses for not doing your homework. There are always some cards that play the perfect role to help you out.

1. “I was ill for days!”

The king of all the excuses, illness can help you out surely. Now, it is important to keep in mind that your illness should sound practical as if it really happened to you. Do not tell of an ill situation that is hard to believe. I have heard that students sometimes even say that they caught rabies, and get blasted later. Viral infection, swelling, digestion issues and fever can work well.

2. “My cat scratched the papers and tore it off!”

Well, let’s not always blame the dogs for killing away your homework. This time, let your cat save you!

3. “I was busy volunteering for a social event”

Or even a community club, pets help, orphanage etc can be used to make up a perfect excuse. Teaming up with a social cause shows you as a responsible person towards your surroundings, and your teacher may like it and give you a day to cover up your work.

4. “Did not the homework was to be submitted today”

Well, this sounds as quite a common excuse, but definitely worth a try.

5. “Parents’ anniversary yesterday”

Yes, and that’s why you were busy all day round decorating up the house, fetching orders, planning the surprises which did not leave you any time for homework.

6. “Fall sick when asked about homework”

When your teacher is coming to you for homework, just bring out the actor inside you and pretend to be really sick, all of a sudden. You can act as if you have a really bad stomach, dizziness or feeling like throwing up as they happen suddenly. Rush to the medical room and you can be saved from a scolding.

7. “Lost it while house cleaning”

Let’s say the papers just got here and there while your room was being cleaned, and you could never find it again. It will be hard to believe one for your teacher though, but surely a fun thing to say as well.

8. “Vacuum cleaner ate it up”

Let the vacuum cleaner suck up your homework! And if the teacher asks that you could have still pulled it out, cleaned the paper and presented it to her, plainly say that it had too much chunk which was immediately cleaned.

9. “Mom gave a punishment for fighting”

And then think of a punishment which will keep you away from your room. Anything which is exhausting and time taking after which you were very tired and straight went off to sleep. For example, say you were asked to mow the lawn, clean the car, check and fix all the electric sockets etc. Surely this excuse can save you well because your teacher to knows that no one can cheat mom!

10. “Slipped out of my bag while I was crossing the bridge”

And below the bridge, there is the river, where it got dumped. But beware; do not think of saying the lie if there is no river in your way. You won’t be able to slip out of your teacher’s hands later!

11. “I did all of the work, but my computer crashed”

This excuse usually works well, because you did your homework but the system crashed. Play it well and you teacher will believe you.

12. “Baby sister pooped on it”

Eww, but it can definitely help you! And no one is going to think further about the assignment once they listen to this perfect lie.

13. “Got a lift while coming and forgot assignment in it”

Now you don’t know where the sweet guy who helped you went, neither you have any number to contact him.

14. “Dog peed on it”

Yes, finally the dog comes in to save you! And a further number of excuses that you can make up that involve your dog. Just like the lie where your younger sibling pooped on your precious homework, your teacher won’t think of it further.

15. “Had an alien visiting our block last night”

Anything bizarre can be cooked up once you say the word ‘Aliens’. You can say they sucked up all the ink of the entire block for their UFO’s fuel, or even that a tornado hit up when they were taking off the land. Aliens are always fun to talk about.

16. “Ran out of toilet paper”

Homework is important of course, but hygiene comes first!

17. “Someone pulled it out of my bag”

Pretend to be really worried, because you clearly remember keeping it in your backpack right this morning. But when you opened the bag in the class, poof! It has vanished. Your teacher will find it hard to believe because it is a lame excuse, but if you play it well, it can work as it points out that someone from class might have stolen it.

18. “Dad took it to work accidentally”

And while you were having breakfast, your dad was packing his bag for the office, searching for his files and papers and by mistake took off your homework with him too. But make sure your teacher does not end up calling your father to send in the homework.

19. “I was hypnotized”

Sounds fake. Totally. But it is possible anyway. Say your cousins were at your place last night and they tried up hypnotizing each other. Initially, it wasn’t happening, but when they tried the trick on you, it happened! And they made you clean all the chores of the house, bla bla bla. Make sure to tell that you were hypnotized all the time and got into senses right before school time.

20. “Butler tossed it into the bin”

Your butler cleaned up the room while you were getting ready. He thought it was some waste papers and threw them off. Plainly say that you were so furious that you asked dad to fire him right away.

21. “Gone into paper shredder”

Your cousin got a new paper shredder and wanted to test it. Before you could act in the situation, he picked up the assignment sheets lying near him and put into the machine. And you were crying your heart out when homework got chopped off finely.

22. “I felt my room was haunted”

And bring in all the conjuring effects that can trickle down a shiver of fear down the spine. Like the aliens, anything can be cooked up if you talk about paranormal activities. Lights got dimmed, bulbs burst off later, cold wind blew in through the wind, creepy sounds etc can all be a part of your story which made you really scared. So scared that you hid under the sheets and just slept off.

23. “Grandmother posted it away”

Say that your grandmom lost her glasses and had a very urgent letter to be delivered. By mistake, she picked up your homework and put it in the envelope. And all the while this happened, you were sleeping thus could not do anything.

24. “Burnt it to make some light”

Due to the heavy rain, there was low voltage and the fuse blew off. There was no light to see the fuse and fix it, thus you had to burn all the papers you could get your hands on, including your assignment. What a sacrifice it sounds! And when the power came back finally, there was not enough paper left in the house to start again.

25. “I forgot to bring my notebook”

The most common excuse, after all. Teachers have heard it a zillion times and find it lame. But it does happen that students forget their work due to a rush. But make sure that you do not use the lie each time you skip your homework because it does not make any sense that you forgot your homework every time.

26. “I was helping mom to host the guests last night”

This trick can definitely play well to save you from a punishment. After all, playing a good and responsible kid is never a bad idea!

27. “There was a power cut at our house the entire night”

And thus you could not see anything around you. A little silly it sounds, but if you play this excuse well, it can help you out for sure.

28. “I gave it for copying but did not get it back!”

Willing to play with your teacher’s mind? Then do try out this excuse. But be prepared for the fact that you may be scolded a little for letting others copy your work. But I’m sure it will be better than being blasted for not doing it at all!

29. “My maid packed food in it for a homeless guy”

Make sure to state right in the beginning that your maid can’t read. ‘Sharing is caring’ can indeed help you out and be a good excuse for skipping homework.

30. “Pen got no ink in the middle of work”

This excuse will be more sensible if you have done your homework, but not completed it. Add on some extra lines that the nearby stationery was closed too or anything else. Though a little hard to believe, it might work out too.

31. “I got robbed on the way to school!”

Why not add some drama to your lie! Make up a good story of how happy you were when you started from home as all your answers were correct but you got robbed in the way, and the bad guys took out everything from your bag and vanished. If possible, shed off a tear too, and the teacher will surely believe you and give you another chance to work on it. But hey, this excuse may not work every time as it is easy to catch out such fictitious excuses.

32. “My little brother made a boat and sailed it!”

Little kids can be a great saviour when it comes to making excuses. Plainly tell your teacher that your baby brother made a boat out of your assignment and sailed it in the bathtub.

33. “Tore it off because all my answers were wrong”

Play out a frustrated kid while telling this excuse, and say how dedicated you were to your work all night. But when you cross-checked the answers, you got angry with yourself so much that you just blew off the paper. Quite an unbelievable excuse though, but if you play it smartly, your teacher will surely believe in it.

34. “Kept it near the window and it blew away!”

Keep it simple, practical and real. Who can stop nature anyway?

35. “I just showed it to you!”

Sounds fun and adventurous, but do not dare to try if your teacher is sheer smart.

36. “Sister scribbled on it, so I had to erase it which took the entire night”

Again, let your family be your saviour!

37. “Did not know about submitting it today”

Though it is another common lie that goes around a lot, it can give you an extra day.

38. “Shifting house, thus misplaced it”

Tell your teacher that you are shifting your house to a new place, thus everyone was busy packing up the whole stuff. And now you have no idea where your stationery is packed!

39. “Drunk friend puked on my homework!”

And you could not do anything but to help him get to the washroom. And it was a stinking gross sight by the time you returned, thus you had to throw away your homework. This excuse can work well if you play it smartly.

40. “Could not understand the concept”

This shows that you tried doing your homework, but came across problems while doing it. You can make it even better by asking some doubts from your teacher to make it clear to your teacher that you indeed tried doing the homework.

41. “I was absent on that day homework was given”

And you don’t know anything about it. In fact, this is the most common lie that every student has given quite a times in their school times. And the teachers have got bored of hearing this lie. But you can still try it out.

42. “Forgot to save my work”

You were staying up all night, working hard on your assignment and then straight away went to sleep. And you went crazy in the morning when you realized that you had turned off your computer without saving your work!

43. “Neighbors were disturbing, thus I could not focus”

Well, it won’t be wrong to blame your neighbours little for not doing homework. Say the music was too loud or they were drunk and kept disturbing us at our home or anything else.

44. “Was busy doing other subject’s homework”

Teachers go a little crazy hearing this one, and they start lecturing the kids. But it happens often that students are already burying their heads in one subject so much that they can’t complete other subjects’ work.

45. “Was busy in a police investigation in the vicinity”

Let’s say that a crime scene popped out in your neighbourhood and you were called upon for a general investigation. The tiring questions made you really exhausted and you jumped into bed after it.

46. “Work got stuck due to printing error”

You were about to print your work, but let the printer take all your pains. Say it ran out of ink, bolts were loose or anything else. After all, technical errors can ooze up anytime.

47. “Had a fight with brother and he tore off my hard work!”

Oh, poor you! You did a good job at solving all the problems, sitting up all night. But he quarrelled with you right when you woke up in the morning and tore off your homework to bits just to annoy you. And every person knows that fights between siblings are a messy thing to tackle, so such things happen often!

48. “Had a bad toothache”

A toothache is a thing which can shiver a person even in his sleep. Your teacher may have gone through the sour experience as well, so such an excuse can keep you safe easily.

49. “Was grounded to my bedroom and homework was kept in the study”

An annoying lie which the teacher may not believe, but it can explain to him clearly that you need more time to complete your work.

50. “I confess…”

Sometimes, telling the truth is the best excuse to explain why you did not do your work. If no other way seems to work out, speak out the truth, blaming yourself a little that you felt lazy and did such an irresponsible thing. Tell your teacher that you would not repeat such a mistake and require some extra time to finish your work. Sometimes, truth wins overall.

Well, keep a thing in mind that the more bring such excuses into use, the lesser teachers will believe in you. do not make a regular habit of skipping homework. Make use of the above suggested fun excuses when it is actually required.

Sorry, comments are closed for this post

Better Responses

Make Better Connections With Better Conversations

49 Best Excuses For Not Doing Homework

February 10, 2024

Last Updated on February 10, 2024 by Ketan

No, you can’t use ‘I’d a fever’ as the best excuse for not doing homework.

Because someone already has the same reason. And it’s too regular.

Also, blaming a dog for biting out your assignment book is totally unbelievable.

Then you may ask, what to say when the teacher asks ‘Where’s your homework?’

Well, don’t worry to help you out in such a situation, we provide you with all the fresh, believable excuses to give.

That your teacher will accept it as a valid reason for missing your assignment.

( Note: This is just for entertainment purposes. Please don’t make a habit of relying on these excuses every day. Better if you do your homework on time.)

Good Excuses For Not Doing Homework

You know you must do your exam on time.

But you didn’t get the right time or mood to actually sit and complete it.

Whether you’ve played all day, overslept, or just not doing homework anyway, you need something to say to your teacher as a valid reason.

Have these good reasons to convince your teacher why you came to school without the homework.

1. “Someone told me that the date of submission is extended.”

2. “I have done my homework, but I forget where I put my notebook.”

3. “We have surprised guest visitors and they stay the whole day.”

4. “Because I didn’t know where to start, I’m unable to complete the homework.”

5. “There’s some fixing work going on at my home, especially in my room.”

6. “I was about to do homework, but I don’t understand a thing.”

7. “There were some other priorities. More important than homework.”

8. “I have a reason, but I can’t share it with you, please believe me.”

9. “I’ve misplaced the notebooks, still unable to find them. So I couldn’t complete it.”

10. “There was a rumor that you were on leave today.”

11. “I had no time for homework because there are so many things going on at home.”

12. “My family and I were out of the city the entire day yesterday and we returned late.”

13. “After school, I have to work at our family business. My dad already trained me for it.”

14. “I forgot my bag here so I’m not able to complete it at home.”

15. “Thought I would do it late at night, but I slept quite earlier than usual.”

16. “My entire day went into doing some extracurricular, and I didn’t get time for homework.”

READ NEXT: Great Comebacks For Your Kids

Funny Reasons For Not Doing Homework

Well, some excuses are so ridiculous that they make your teacher and your fellow students laugh.

Indeed, there is a risk of you appearing dumb in front of your class.

But because it’s a hilarious and creative reason, it might still work in your favor.

Or at least to come up with new excuses than anyone else can think of.

1. “It was my birthday yesterday. And, I don’t want to celebrate it by doing just homework.”

2. “My parents brought a pet for me. So I played with him the whole day.”

3. “After I completed my homework, my sibling ripped my assignment apart.”

4. “I’ve to babysit my little brother with nobody at home to take care of us.”

5. “I was lost in the mall while going shopping with my mum and found it in the evening.”

6. “My elder sibling has thrown my assignment book in the trash.”

7. “Our cousin used my homework to make a paper plane and they just flew it.”

8. “My family wants me to go to a boarding school, so I’m just getting ready for it.”

9. “I was looking for the right time to get it done, but I didn’t get it .”

10. “My mom and dad fought and the entire day went on just to settle things down.”

11. “My grandparents visited our home yesterday, and I’ve been busy with them.”

12. “Because there is so much homework for different subjects, I can’t do any of them.”

13. “My internet went off while you’ve given the assignments to us.”

14. “I accept that I didn’t do my homework now, but I promise to complete it tomorrow.”

15. “There’s some family issue going on at home. So, I’m unable to complete the assignment.”

16. “My dad took my bag for some reason and today I have to come with a spare bag.”

17. “This is the first time I forgot the lesson, and you have to understand that I have some reason for that.”

Believable Excuses For Not Doing Homework

Whatever reason you are about to give for not completing your assignment, your teacher will judge it logically.

So you just can’t share any reason that’s on your mind.

Be careful with your reasons or excuses before saying why you didn’t do your homework.

If you want some believable reasons that your teacher can’t deny, here’s the whole list of them.

Believable Excuses For Not Doing Homework

1. “I asked my dad to help me with my homework, but he doesn’t know a thing either.”

2. “I’ve saved my assignment, but I don’t know where it is now. The file is lost on the PC.”

3. “I forgot to save my homework and all the work was just gone.”

4. “There were system errors on my PC. So it was not possible to do homework.”

5. “My computer just got hacked and I must delete everything including homework.”

6. “I felt the pain in my writing hand, and now I’m feeling better.”

7. “After school, we had to go to some event and I lost my bag somewhere there.”

8. “I thought today was a holiday. So I didn’t do it.”

9. “Remember I told you that my computer is in repair, the technician hasn’t returned it.”

10. “I’ve been at an important event with my family and came back this morning.”

11. “It was my sister’s marriage, so I was not able to complete my homework.”

12. “I was stuck in the giant toy car the whole day and not able to do homework later.”

13. “We bought a new TV. So, me and my brother watched our cartoon the whole day.”

14. “I was helping other kids in school to complete assignments, but I forgot mine.”

15. “My notebook fell into our swimming pool and I couldn’t save it in time.”

16. “It’s not my dog, but my cat peed on my notebook. I couldn’t bring my notebook today, but I will tomorrow.”

READ NEXT: Smart Responses To Every ‘Why?’ Question

We all agree that we have the entire day to do it, but the best time to do homework is ‘the last hour’ before submission.

But sometimes you can’t even do your homework in that precious time, too.

Because you don’t want to do it, or just give up.

When you fail to do or submit your assignment last time, you need some good excuses for not doing homework that your teacher could believe and accept.

We hope we’ve suggested the best reasons to share to be safe this time.

But Hey, next time you do your homework properly, Right?

This list covers last-minute excuses to get you another chance.

Hope this frees you from any punishments or embarrassment at school.

But, promise us, that you will do your homework on time from now on. We don’t want you to use these excuses anymore, too.

Recent Posts

16 Engaging Replies To “We Should Talk More” - March 6, 2024
134 (Funny &) Flirty Answers To “Why Do You Love Me?” - March 2, 2024
26 Best Responses To “How Was Your Day?” - February 21, 2024

Hi, there ! It’s nice to meet you.

Check your inbox to confirm your subscription.

Specialized in marketing, with 'communication' as a favorite subject, Ketan P. is a head writer at 'Better Responses'. He loves to share his unique perspectives and ways to make everyday conversations a bit 'lively'.

14 Funny Answers To “What Do You Say?”

19 Funny Comebacks For Bald Jokes

18 Better Responses To “Yo” In Text Or Person

Next 17 Best Replies To “Hey Handsome”
Previous 12 Witty Responses To Sarcasm (When It Gets Too Far)

Our Mission

14 Hilarious Homework Excuses

If you're an educator, you've undoubtedly heard your fair share of excuses from students who don't have their assigned homework with them, which can range from plausible to hilariously absurd.

We've compiled some of the best homework excuses that educators in our Facebook community have heard during their time in the wacky world of teaching.

Students' Best Excuses

'I couldn't do my homework because my room is haunted.'

This piece was originally submitted to our community forums by a reader. Due to audience interest, we’ve preserved it. The opinions expressed here are the writer’s own.

Daniel Wong

11 Excuses for Not Doing Homework (And How to Stop Making Them)

July 5, 2022 By Daniel Wong 6 Comments

If you’re like many students, you’d rather take a nap, talk to your friends online, or play video games.

As you already know, finding reasons not to do your homework will prevent you from succeeding in school .

I’m sure you want to do well in school, and homework is definitely a part of that process.

In this article, I’ll go over 11 of the most common excuses for not doing homework and offer solutions to ensure that you stay engaged in school.

But first, make sure to download your free quick action guide…

FREE QUICK ACTION GUIDE:

Get your FREE copy of

12 Guaranteed Ways for Students to Improve Focus and Reduce Procrastination .

The guide has already been downloaded thousands of times, so don't miss out!

Excuse #1: You lack the required knowledge

Let your parents and teacher know if you’re taking a class and feel as if you lack the necessary skills or knowledge to complete the homework.

Ask your teacher for extra guidance so you don’t fall too far behind. See if your parents can find the time to help you, or you can look for a tutor.

Your teachers are there to help you develop the skills you need to do well in their classes.

You’re not alone in feeling that you lack the necessary skills, so don’t be too embarrassed to ask for assistance. You might even find some great study buddies who feel the same way.

Excuse #2: You lack confidence

Many students compare themselves to their peers, which can lead to a lack of confidence. When that happens, it’s easy to make excuses for not doing the homework.

But here’s what you need to know…

Everyone lacks confidence about something.

You might be good at math but need extra help with English. Perhaps you excel at geography but find biology confusing.

Give yourself a break.

If you lack confidence in your ability to learn a particular subject, get the support you need. Your teachers, parents, and even friends will help you out and give you a needed morale boost.

Excuse #3: Your home life is too hectic

The excuses for submitting assignments late are numerous, but one that I hear often is that it’s too busy or noisy at home to focus.

Finding a quiet space and using earplugs or noise-cancelling headphones can help reduce distractions. This will make it easier for you to finish your homework.

If that doesn’t work, try finding an alternative location to do your work, like the library or a friend’s house.

You can also talk to your parents about it. They might not even be aware of all the interruptions that are preventing you from completing your schoolwork.

Excuse #4: You don’t know where to start

Feeling anxious and overwhelmed are often the main reasons that cause students to not know where to start on their homework.

If you ever feel this way, here’s what I suggest you do:

Take a deep breath.
Create a space where you can get organised.
Make a list of all your assignments and deadlines.
Work on one assignment at a time.
Start with an easy assignment to get a quick win, or tackle the most challenging assignment to get it out of the way.

Excuse #5: You have poor study habits

Many students develop bad study habits over their years in school.

Not everyone learns the same way or at the same pace. As such, every student will have different study habits. If what you’re doing isn’t working, try a different approach.

If you’re trying to do your homework as soon as you get home from school but can’t focus, try having a snack and taking a power nap before getting to work instead.

If you’re staying up too late studying, set a rule for yourself that you’ll start doing your homework within one hour of getting home.

Establish a routine where you do your work at roughly the same time each day. Developing routines like this will improve your study habits , which will make you a more effective student.

Excuse #6: School isn’t important to you

A common misconception is that school isn’t important, that what you learn won’t be relevant once you leave school.

This isn’t completely true.

Of course, the education system can be improved. But the knowledge you acquire in school will help you to understand and appreciate the world better.

And the process of becoming a more effective student will lead you to develop traits like self-discipline and responsibility. These are the types of traits you’ll need in order to find success at any stage of life!

Excuse #7: You’re overloaded with after-school activities

I know it can be tough to balance schoolwork and extracurricular activities.

Maybe you’re on a sports team or you spend several hours each week volunteering.

Finding the right balance to ensure you have enough time for homework can be challenging.

When too many afterschool activities get in the way of completing your assignments on time, it’s time to review your schedule. Decide how you can prioritise the activities that are the most important.

You may need to put some activities on hold until you’re consistently staying on top of your schoolwork.

Speak with your coach, teachers, or parents about the ideas they have to help you manage your schedule more effectively.

Excuse #8: Studying is boring for you

If you find that doing your homework is uninteresting, it may be time for you to change your point of view.

I always encourage students to cultivate a growth mindset . This is a mindset where you focus more on the learning process instead of on getting good grades.

Rather than seeing a particular subject as boring, develop a sense of wonder. Decide that you’re going to be intellectually curious, and you’ll discover that we live in a fascinating world.

And while you’re on that journey, remember that the students who succeed in school find ways to get the work done even when they find the subject boring.

For example, if you don’t like math, consider that it isn’t just about numbers – it’s a way of thinking.

Reframing how you think about a subject will enable you to see it as more interesting. In turn, you’ll become a better student over time.

Excuse #9: Your teachers assign too much homework

Sometimes, it may seem like your teachers assign more homework than you can keep up with. You might even believe that what you’re required to do is unreasonable.

If you find yourself in this situation, take a moment to think about everything else you’re doing.

Are you managing your time well?

Are you struggling with a particular class?

Do you use memory techniques to enable you to learn faster ?

Instead of allowing homework to overwhelm you, try talking to your teacher, tutor, or parents to figure out the best way forward for you.

Excuse #10: You already have so much overdue homework

Procrastinating on your homework can lead to a significant pile-up of assignments. This will affect your confidence in being able to complete them.

What’s more, once you get a set of new assignments, you probably won’t know how to do them because you didn’t do the previous assignments.

This creates a vicious cycle where you tell yourself that there’s no point in completing your newly assigned homework because you still have the old ones to do.

When this happens, the likelihood of completing any of the work decreases.

If you’re in this situation, set a reasonable goal of keeping up with all the newly assigned homework while completing, say, one overdue assignment a day, or one overdue assignment every two days.

Excuse #11: You don’t believe you can get good grades

If you hate school, there’s a chance that it’s because you feel the pressure to be a straight-A student .

Here’s the good news: You don’t need to be perfect. After all, there’s no such thing as a perfect student.

But you do have to put in the effort and get the work done. The rest will then fall into place.

If you’re doing your best, you’re doing great! Celebrate your progress and keep moving forward.

Take it one step at a time, and don’t worry too much about what grades you’re getting at the moment.

In closing…

There are many possible reasons for you not to finish your homework.

No matter what those reasons are, it’s important to know that the people around you want to help you succeed.

From teachers to parents to coaches, you have a support network to provide solutions to almost any obstacle you face.

Identify the excuses listed in this article that are relevant to your situation, and apply the suggested solutions.

If you do that, you’ll become a better and happier student who makes far fewer excuses related to homework!

July 7, 2022 at 12:13 pm

Thank you so much for this article. These were the problems I was struggling with. Now that i know the solutions to it ,I’m sure I’ll do better than before.

July 7, 2022 at 1:05 pm

You’re very welcome.

July 7, 2022 at 6:20 pm

I pray that may Almighty God grant you long life, more knowledge, sound health, rest of mind, wealth and happiness, so that you can witness your good impact in this World 🌍. GOD has made you a useful tool for every students and parents that is actually seeking success.

July 7, 2022 at 7:42 pm

Thank you, God bless you too!

July 27, 2022 at 9:29 pm

Thank you so much for this. I have found a couple of solutions for excuses I’ve made in the past. I needed this.

July 27, 2022 at 9:42 pm

You’re welcome.

Suggestions

12 of the Funniest Excuses for Not Doing Your Homework

Homework is something that a lot of students choose not to do, even though they know they can get into a lot of trouble for skipping it. If you’re an educator, you’ve probably heard an unlimited number of excuses from your students, and some of them might have been absolutely hilarious.

From a student’s perspective, homework can be a serious obstacle to doing things they love, such as meeting with friends, playing video games or watching their favorite TV shows. In fact, a Chinese study found that more than 70 percent of schoolchildren don’t like homework .

Who’s going to want to do that math homework or write college papers when a new Marvel comic book has just been released, right?

So, when students begin to realize that they won’t complete the homework in time, they try to come up with believable excuses, which can be extremely creative, weird or funny.

So, to celebrate the inventive excuses students use to get out of homework, we’ve gathered some of the best from across the internet in the list below, enjoy.

1. “My brother’s friend , who came to our house yesterday, said he could eat paper, and I didn’t believe him. So he decided to show how much paper he could eat and grabbed my homework right out of my desk. I didn’t see that it was my homework and realized that it was too late.”

2. “ My dad needs a paper shredder for work, and it was delivered to our house yesterday. He wanted to show us how it works and mistakenly took my homework and destroyed it.”

3. “ My mom once said that she wanted my best homework framed. When I completed all the work yesterday, I said to her that it was the best because I did everything right, even the tasks for extra credit. Today, I couldn’t find it so I went to my mom. She said she had to have it framed because it was my best homework!”

4. “ I didn’t do my homework because I figured I’d do it tomorrow, because I’ll be older, and therefore be wiser, then.”

5. “ Yesterday, I didn’t have time to complete the homework because I was at the rally all day. The rally was calling for an increase to teacher pay, so I had to be there.”

6. “ To be honest, I didn’t do my homework because I know how heavy your current workload is and I didn’t want to add to it. I thought that I could give you some more free time.”

7. “ Well, incredible story. I was going to school this morning and it was very windy. I carried the homework in my hands, but it slipped out of them and blew away. I tried to chase it for a couple of blocks, so that’s why I’m late to class.”

8. “ While I was getting ready for school this morning, I was putting some books inside my backpack. When it was time for my homework, my mom said she needed to see me in the kitchen right away. I went there, and when I came back, my homework wasn’t there. Clearly, my dad accidentally took it to work because his briefcase was next to my backpack.”

9. “ I was in the school yard when I heard some student saying bad things about you. I felt like that should let him know that he was wrong. It would be wrong to hurt him, so I thought a good way was to throw something at him. I quickly looked through my backpack, but the only thing I could find was the homework I had to submit today. After hesitating a bit, I let him have it. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to find it afterward; someone must have taken it.”

10. “ My grandpa was on “Who Wants to be a Millionaire” yesterday, so he asked me if I would be available for a call if he didn’t know an answer and had to call a friend. I absolutely had to be there for him, so I didn’t have any time to complete today’s homework.”

11. “ After completing my essay yesterday, I looked at my assignment once again and realized that it was so good that it could make other students in the class feel bad about theirs. I decided not to hurt their feelings and left it at home. What can I say, I’m a great essay writer .”

12. “ I was sunbathing near the pool yesterday and doing the homework at the same time. When I was about done, something pushed me forward and I dropped my work right into the pool. It was so wet I couldn’t put it together, so I don’t have it right now.”

Just a Drop in the Ocean

The amount of homework is steadily increasing , so more and more students are finding creative excuses to avoid it. We collected just a small amount in this article, but there are literally thousands of excuses like these, and students keep coming up with new ones.

Hope these excuses brighten your mood right for the rest of the day!

Lucy Benton is a writing coach, an editor who finds her passion in expressing own thoughts as a blogger. She is constantly looking for the ways to improve her skills and expertise. Lucy also has her own blog, Prowritingpartner.com , where you can check her last publications. If you’re interested in working with Lucy , you can find her on Twitter .

procrastination

Daniel Reed

Positive Procrastination — Never Heard of It? Well Now You Have

in an article containing study tips, someone writing on a piece of paper on their desk

5 Tips To Study Better at University

someone studying or doing coursework on a laptop

How To Stay Motivated With College Coursework

in an article about homework, a picture of textbooks

Homework Hacks: How To Do College Assignments Faster

An illustration of a woman watching StudyTube videos for an article about how StudyTubers can be harmful. (Illustration by Sonja Vasiljeva, San Jose State University)

StudyTubers May Be More Harmful Than Helpful for College Students

Photo of a girl procrastinating for an article about Coursera and Psychology of Learning. (Photo by Tony Tran from Unsplash)

‘Psychology of Learning’ Offers Winning Strategies for Studying and Acquiring Knowledge

Watch These 4 YouTube Channels to Be More Productive This Semester

YouTubers on ‘StudyTube’ Share Homework for a Living

Don't miss.

Büşra Kayıkçı with pink lighting over her face and hands that are playing the piano.

Büşra Kayıkçı The Turkish Pianist Going ‘Places’

What’s the Obsession with ‘Bluey’?

Spanish Rock Band Airú Sparkles On Their First U.S. Tour

Shakespeare, ‘Coriolanus’ and ‘The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes’

For an article on the obsessed artist trope in film, a figure sits criss crossed while writing in a journal in blue wash.

Exploring the “Obsessed Artist” Trope in Film

Personal Excuses
Events and Appointments
Financial Excuses
Professional and Business Excuses
Social Excuses

7 Homework Excuses That Work

At some point in our academic journeys, we’ve all faced the challenge of not having our homework ready for submission. While it’s crucial to adhere to deadlines and maintain consistency in our academic responsibilities, there are moments when life throws a curveball that interferes with our best-laid plans. This essay explores the fine line between credible and non-credible excuses for not turning in homework. We delve into the elements that differentiate an honest explanation from an unconvincing one, shedding light on what educators generally consider acceptable reasons. Furthermore, we consider the nuanced art of communicating these reasons to our instructors—how the subtleties of tone, diction, body language, and timing can impact the reception of our message—and emphasize the significance of an approach grounded in integrity and respect.

Table of Contents

Understanding Credible Excuses

Crafting the Perfect Homework Excuse: A Credible Approach!

Oh, the dreaded forgotten homework – every parent’s twist in the tale! It happens to the best of them: kiddos who usually have their act together but somehow, someway, that math worksheet vanished into thin air. Now, as much as we want our little angels to be the epitome of responsibility, sometimes the dog really does eat the homework. But when it comes to offering up that excuse to the teacher, credibility is key.

So, what transforms a homework excuse from eye-roll inducing to totally plausible? Let’s dive in and equip those littles with legitimate-sounding reasons for a homework hiccup.

First things first, honesty is always the best policy—no matter how cliché that sounds. A simple, straightforward explanation will often do the trick. Teachers have a sixth sense for tall tales, so keeping it real is the way to go.

Time for the nitty-gritty on crafting excuses that hold water:

Lost in the Abyss of Busyness

The modern family calendar is a labyrinth of appointments, activities, and events. When the homework assignment slips through the cracks of a packed schedule, it’s understandable. The key? Mention the hectic day, apologize, and assure it’s a rarity, not the norm.

Technological Turmoil

In this digital age, gadgets and gizmos have a mind of their own. If a printer declared mutiny or the family PC caught a cold (a virus!), it’s a valid hiccup. Explaining the tech-tastrophe followed by assurance that steps are being taken to avoid future glitches will win some empathy points.

Mother Nature’s Mood Swings

Sometimes the elements unleash their fury, and power outages or natural disasters can wreak havoc on homework completion. If Mother Nature decided to throw a tantrum, it’s perfectly acceptable to explain that homework took a backseat to safety and candles.

Juggling too Many Balls

A delicate balance exists between school, sports, and spelling tests. If your child dropped the homework ball in the juggle, it’s okay to admit it. Sharing how they’re reorganizing priorities to ensure schoolwork isn’t sidelined again shows growth and maturity.

Health Hurdles

When snuffles, coughs, or fevers strike, brains can turn to mush. If illness is the culprit behind missing homework, a brief note about the germ invasion, maybe backed up by a doctor’s note if it’s serious, communicates the absence of homework wasn’t for lack of effort.

A Message from the Heart

Life is unpredictable, and sometimes, serious family matters take precedence. Without oversharing, it’s perfectly okay to let the teacher know that extenuating circumstances took the spotlight.

Remember, the trick with any excuse is a sprinkle of sincerity, a dash of humility, and the unspoken promise to make things right. Teachers aren’t monsters out to get you—well, most aren’t, anyway. They understand life’s little curveballs, and as long as these trips and stumbles aren’t forming a pattern, a credible excuse will likely earn a chance for redemption.

So, go forth, craft those credible homework explanations when needed, and always a tip for the kiddos: have a backup plan for next time. Like, homework-eating-dog-proof folders, perhaps? Stay prepared and stay believable, and that homework hiccup will just be a minor bump on the educational highway. Happy studying!

Image of a child looking worried with a crumpled piece of paper in hand

Photo by anniespratt on Unsplash

Effective Communication Skills

Communicating with your child’s teacher about a missed assignment or an inability to complete homework can feel a bit daunting, but worry not, there are straightforward ways to do this effectively. imagine you’re crafting a short story: you want the message to be clear, the context to be sufficient, and the conclusion to be natural and constructive. let’s dig in, shall we.

First off, keep it timely. Don’t wait until the eleventh hour or, heaven forbid, after the due date to get in touch. Shoot for gold-star status by notifying the teacher as soon as you realize completing the homework won’t be possible.

Now, while you’re penning that email or jotting down notes for a conversation, be sure to include the three E’s: explanation, empathy, and evidence. A good ol’ explanation tells the teacher what’s going on without making the situation an epic novel. Keep it brief; teachers appreciate conciseness as much as the next person.

Empathy is your next step. Show that you understand the importance of homework and respect the teacher’s time and effort. A simple phrase like, “I understand how this can disrupt your lesson plans…” goes a long way.

As for evidence, you don’t need a courtroom-style presentation. Still, if you’re referring to something specific like a doctor’s note for an illness or documentation of a family emergency, mention that you can provide it if necessary.

The next chapter in our excuse manual covers the manner of delivery. Pick your medium thoughtfully. Email is often ideal for a paper trail, but sometimes a phone call or face-to-face chat is more personal and effective, especially for sensitive issues.

Then there’s the follow-up plan. Outline how you or your kiddo will catch up or make amends for the missed work. Teachers love proactive problem-solvers, so let them know you’re on team “Let’s Fix This.”

To wrap it up here, folks, remember the golden rule of excuses: keep it genuine. Veer away from fantastical stories that could rival sci-fi movies. An honest, straightforward approach is like comfort food—it’s just right and leaves everyone feeling a bit better.

So, armed with these pointers, you’re ready to craft that excuse in the most effective, thoughtful way possible. Here’s to keeping those lines of communication as friendly and productive as a well-loved family kitchen – it’s where the magic, and the understanding, happens. Happy explaining!

Illustration of person talking to their child's teacher about missed homework

Mastering the skill of effectively presenting a valid excuse for incomplete homework hinges on a balance of authenticity and strategic communication. By recognizing the distinctions between what is considered a justifiable reason and what may be perceived as an attempt to shirk responsibility, adults can navigate these awkward situations with grace and accountability. Equipped with the methods discussed herein for conveying our reasons respectfully and convincibly, we’re not only better prepared to face unexpected hindrances in our educational pursuits but also capable of fostering a sense of understanding and trust with our educators. Ultimately, the respect we show towards our commitments, educators, and ourselves defines the value we derive from our educational experiences.

Being Late Due to Childcare issues
Craft Innovative Excuses for Late Projects
Understanding Religious Holiday Excuses: A Comprehensive Overview
Reasons for Oversleeping

February 3, 2024

Turn your Studies into a side hustle

“Why do students get punished for something they did not do? Is that even allowed?” I remember asking myself this question some time back. I really needed to attend a certain concert and I sacrificed my homework for it. The next day, I had to face a rather annoyed teacher and explain why I couldn’t hand in my homework. Fortunately for me, I had several excuses on my sleeve and the teacher didn’t suspect any foul play. Here are some of the best excuses for missing homework that works really well:

1 Excuses for Missing Homework

1.1 My computer crashed and I did not have a backup

1.2 My mom and dad got into a huge fight

1.3 My dog died

1.4 Homework overload

1.5 My little brother got sick

1.6 It’s that time of the month

1.7 I forgot my homework at home

1.8 I forgot my backpack in dad’s car and he works on the other side of town

1.9 I was volunteering and I didn’t have enough time to work on my assignment

1.10 Forced to babysit

1.11 Illness

1.12 Death of a relative

1.13 A friend had a mental breakdown

1.14 It was so difficult for me

1.15 Try honesty

Excuses for Missing Homework

My computer crashed and i did not have a backup.

We can always blame everything on technology, right? You were working on your assignment but your computer suddenly broke down in the middle of it and you couldn’t find a repair guy at that time of the night. Perfect excuse! The teacher won’t question you about it, they know that machines break down all the time. However, this will only work if the teacher expected typed homework.

My mom and dad got into a huge fight

Teachers, like the rest of the humans, are suckers for sad stories, especially stories regarding a dysfunctional family. Using this as an excuse will help you not only get away will missing homework but it will also earn you sympathy from that teacher for the entire term. The problem would arise if the teacher thought of bringing this up with your counselor. Then you are toast.

My dog died

Only the cold-hearted teacher will fail to understand the pain of losing your pet. This excuse works well, especially if the teacher has a soft spot for pets. If ‘killing’ your pet for grades is unthinkable for you, you can try something less grievous, such as:

“My pet got sick and I had to nurse her”

“My dog ate my homework”

“My cat peed on my homework and I didn’t want to submit a stinking homework to you.”

Homework overload

Truth be told, there are times you will go home with so many assignments from different teachers that you don’t know what to work on and what to forego. If this is the case, or you just want it to look like the case, pick a teacher who is known to be sympathetic. Chances are, they will listen to you and give you an extension especially if you can show that you actually got started on your homework but couldn’t finish it up.

Get study resources at unified class

My little brother got sick

It is a commandment to blame our younger siblings for everything that doesn’t go well, right?

Any teacher will understand if you have a younger brother or sister. These young ones are always coming down with something. Alternatively, you can choose to blame it on their ability to cause mischief:

“My brother tore my assignment.”

“My sister drew Pandas all over my assignment!”

“I forgot to pack my notebook last night and my little brother took it and hid it”

Which teacher wouldn’t fall for this?

It’s that time of the month

Guys, this is not for you. This is a perfect excuse for ladies. It especially works very well with male teachers. This is an excuse that will make them so uncomfortable and so sorry for you that they will have no option but to give you extra days to submit your homework.

I forgot my homework at home

‘I was in a hurry to get to school and I forgot to pack my homework in my bag.’ This will earn you a lecture on the dangers of being careless but you’ll get away with failing to submit your assignment. It especially works best if this is the first time you’re failing to hand in your homework on time. However, ensure this does not become the excuse you always fall unto. Otherwise, the teacher may read right through the excuse and give you that pitiful ‘0’ grade.

I forgot my backpack in dad’s car and he works on the other side of town

This is an upgraded version of “I forgot my homework at home.” If you say you forgot your assignment at home, the teacher may make someone from home to bring you the homework. However, even the meanest teacher wouldn’t expect your dad to leave work just to bring your homework to school.

I was volunteering and I didn’t have enough time to work on my assignment

How best to get a deadline extension than to blame it on nobility? This is such a great excuse especially if you’re known to be diligent in class. What kind of teacher wouldn’t fall for, ‘we were rescuing puppies that were born in a pipe and I didn’t have enough time to finish my assignment?’

You can also use extra-curricula activities as a good excuse. Having a band or soccer practice is one of the best excuses for diligent students. However, if you’re always late for class, always failing to submit your assignments, the teacher can ban you from any extra-curricula activities until you learn to balance your school work and your practices.

Forced to babysit

Teachers understand that you have a life outside school. This excuse, however, should not be used on strict teachers as they are likely to see through the lie. An excuse such as: ‘my aunt got sick and I was called to babysit her six months old baby like my parents took her to the hospital’ can work perfectly well for nice teachers.

Sickness never calls to book an appointment with anyone, a thing every human being understands. This fact makes this excuse to be one of the most popular excuses in the history of academic excuses. No teacher expects you to die trying to get your assignment done. Well, except for the teachers who come from Miss Trunchbull’s (Matilda’s principal in Matilda) genealogy.

‘I am still sickly, I only came to school today as I didn’t want to heap up even more work for myself.’ Such a statement is able to melt even the coldest and the meanest of hearts and earn you extra days to finish your homework.

Death of a relative

Faking death of a relative is outrageous, right? Except when it comes to saving your grades. Then even the nicest of the students will consider it. After all, the teacher will never find out if you were telling a lie. Unless they are buddies with your mom then maybe the school will find itself organizing your own burial.

Some students have mastered the art of using this excuse, especially if the said relative has been dead for quite some time now. Just be careful not to overdo it.

A friend had a mental breakdown

One of the goldmines in the history of excuses. A good teacher will be able to understand if a friend called in the middle of a meltdown and you had to talk to her for hours to see if she can calm down, or you had to drop by their place and keep her company. In the age of increased rates of depression and suicide, this is a lie that most teachers will swallow both hook and sinker.

It was so difficult for me

Truth be told, teachers want you to do well. They don’t want you to fail especially in their own subjects. Telling the teacher that you tried to do the homework but it proved too difficult for you will definitely earn you some sympathy. A good teacher will even take the time to explain the assignment to you and give you a deadline extension.

However, this excuse doesn’t work for all kinds of homework. If the teacher explained the assignment in detail before sending you to do it, if the course work provides all the necessary information, then this would be the lamest excuse you give.

Try honesty

As awesome as it is to lie in order to get away with missing homework, at times honesty works better than the excuses. Some teachers will not only understand and commend your honesty, but they will also give you extra time to finish your homework.

It doesn’t matter how well-meaning or how hardworking you are. There are times you’ll find yourself having not finished your assignment, and you will need a good excuse to give to your teacher. Before you come up with an excuse, it is important to understand your teacher.

How gullible or strict is he?

How do we relate to the teacher?

Teachers are known to play favorites, if you happen to be a teacher’s favorite, then you can be sure that any excuse you give will be accepted.

Above all the excuses, it is important to do your very best and finish your homework on time. There are tons of free homework help websites out there that can help you with solutions for your complex questions. You can also ask fellow classmates to provide homework answers to some of your questions to ensure that you finish your assignment on time.

Handing in your homework in time is better than wasting time, energy, and nerves looking for a perfect excuse.

Study smart and earn better grades

Post Categories

College hacks
Homework help
Students Jobs
Study Break

Subscribe to our Newsletter

+1(231) 528-7702

[email protected]

Quick Links

Study resources

The 10 Most Common Homework Excuses Teacher's Receive (And How to Come up with Better Ones)

Trent Lorcher
Categories : Study & learning tips for parents & students
Tags : Homework help & study guides

You might wonder why a teacher would want to help you with “I forgot my homework” excuses. It’s simple. I’m tired of hearing the same excuses every time I collect an assignment. I want you to be more creative. The top homework excuses of the past no longer give me the thrill of detective work like they used to. I’ve already figured out a way to shoot them down, to humiliate you, and make you feel silly. I feel like General Zaroff must have felt in “The Most Dangerous Game.” I need a new challenge, so here’s a list of top homework excuses, why you should never use them, and subtle changes you can make to be more effective.

10 Most Common Excuses & How to Improve Them

I forgot my homework : That’s weak! You can do better than “I forgot my homework,” Can’t you? Even if you did forget your homework, come up with something more creative than this. Here’s a little trick: “I forgot my homework, but my mom said she’ll bring it in during lunch/after school.” This will buy you a few hours. Do the assignment during lunch and bring it in after school.
My printer doesn’t work : Come on! Did your printer work last week? Did it work the day before yesterday? Or did it mysteriously stop working right when you were about to print out your assignment? There are millions of functioning printers in the world. There are probably several at your school, including one in your teacher’s classroom. They’re not going to buy this. Try this one instead: “My printer ran out of ink last night. Can I e-mail it to you when I get home?” This will buy you some time and your teacher isn’t going to check too closely. Just have it e-mailed before 5:00 and you’re safe.
I didn’t know it was due today : Are you serious? It’s been on the board for a week-and-a-half. It’s been mentioned every day at the start of class. It’s on the class website. The other 36 kids in the class knew it was due today. Don’t ever try this one. Even if you didn’t know it was due, you should have.
I lost it: Try using that one with the power company. Try “my backpack was stolen” or “I left my binder on the bus.”
I was absent: Yea, you were sick 5 days ago when I assigned it, but you’ve been here every day since. Didn’t it occur to you that you needed to find out what you missed before it was due. Try “I was really sick last night and was unable to finish it. If you want, I can bring a note from my Mom.”
Start crying : This is actually really effective if you’re a girl. If you’re not a girl, don’t try this, nor should you try its sister excuse: “it’s that time of the month.”
I cleaned out my notebook and threw it away : Maybe you should clean out your head before using this classic. Nobody believes you threw anything out of your notebook because it’s exploding with papers. Use the “I got my notebook stolen” instead.
I didn’t do it : Some teachers may give you some points for honesty, but they already know you didn’t do it.
I had a game last night : Most teachers will give you the “so, you think ___________ (name of sport) is more important than _______ (name of class)?” response. If you’re teacher is a huge sports fan and if your team won and if you played an integral role in the victory, you may get a break.
I never got the homework: The 38 other students in class all got the assignment and began working on it immediately, but you neither got the assignment nor bothered to ask what the rest of the class was doing?

As you can see, teachers have wised up to your antics. No longer are the traditional excuses gonna cut it. It’s time to evolve into the next generation and challenge your teacher to keep up with your creative homework dodging.

This post is part of the series: Homework Excuses

Find the best, the worst, the most popular, and the funniest homework excuses with just a few clicks of the mouse.

The 10 Best Homework Excuses
The 10 Most Common “I Forgot my Homework” Excuses
Funny Homework Excuses

Best Homework Excuses That Will Crack Your Ribs in 2023

Homework is not a word most students would want to hear. I know of some who will reward you with a furious expression and spiteful attitude whenever you mention such a word to them. As a result of this negativity towards homework, students have funny excuses for not doing homework. Whereas some of them may work, there are those excuses for not turning in homework that may not augur well with some instructors.

Let’s dive into the subject of school homework excuses at length.

Best Homework Excuses: Why Do Students Give Them?

While it may true that a majority of the students are lazy, several factors necessitate some students from not completing their homework. These may either be internal (on the part of the student) or external (related to the school, family, or general environment). But why exactly do students have such excuses for homework not done?

Punishment fears that nobody is ready to be canned or suspended from school for not completing homework.
To make up for their mistakes: Students give excuses for late homework to maintain a good reputation with their tutors and parents.
It’s the nature of students: The majority of the students are generally cheeky and naughty and thus have an excuse for almost everything.

Although students have continued to devise new homework excuses now and then, some tutors have been smart enough to outwit them. The bottom line remains that students will continue to invent crazy homework excuses shortly, especially technological advancements.

We now venture into some of the best homework excuses that students have been giving over the years.

6 Funny Homework Excuses For High School Students

Most high school students are in the adolescent stage, and thus you can expect anything from them. These students will devise all forms of unimaginable homework excuses to get off the hook at this stage of life. Six of the top homework excuses for high students are:

The homework was too easy to complete: Why bother completing something I already know how to do well enough?
I forgot about it: Well, I had a lot on my mind and forgot to write the assignment down or carry my homework book with me at home.
I had nowhere to complete my homework: My siblings were all over my room, and I couldn’t get the time and space to complete my homework comfortably.
We had a power blackout: Immediately I arrived home, there was a power blackout, and my computer cannot work without power. My room was so dark that I got scared even to get up and do anything.
I have had enough of it! What’s the point of continuing to complete homework assignments now that I am in high school? Come on; I have been doing these since kindergarten.
Homework is not a priority when I am at home: I need to watch my favorite soap opera or cartoon when I get home, not tuck in some boring homework.

Every student will have a funny homework excuse whenever confronted by their teachers.

Good Excuses For Not Doing Homework

Nonetheless, some excellent homework excuses can get you out of trouble. Although these are not easy to come by, you can constantly maneuver your way around them and convince your tutor. Some of the good reasons for missing homework include:

The instructions were too hard to understand: Maybe the tutor did not explain the instructions clear enough for you to understand. Other tasks are just too complex to complete regardless of the explanations given by the tutor.
You did not have the necessary prerequisites: Equipment like calculators for math assignments and drawing boards for engineering papers are necessary. If you do not have them, there is no way you will complete your homework.
The dog ate my homework excuses: Realistically, the dog might enter your room and make away with your homework book. If the tutor doesn’t understand, it will do some good to carry the tattered assignment book’s remains.
The computer crashed: Every electronic gadget is prone to such. An understanding lecturer would give you a second chance when you give this homework excuse.

You should, however, note that most lecturers have known these excuses for no homework. How you explain yourself using such excuses will determine whether he/she will believe you or not.

5 Good Excuses For Missing Homework That Work

The best excuses for missing homework are those that convince your tutor or instructor without leaving a trail of question marks behind. To come up with such, you have to develop practical critical thinking skills and engage creativity. From some of the best homework excuses available, here are the crème de la crème:

I fell sick on my way home and was rushed to hospital
A natural disaster such as a giant hurricane or earthquake that interrupted regular power supply
I was absent when you assigned the homework
You were busy volunteering in a community social work activity
I got rained on my way to school in the morning

The reasons above seem genuine to any person, and you can be sure of getting away with them for not doing homework.

How To Make Creative Homework Excuses

Would you like to know how to make excuses for not doing your homework? Here are some expert tips that have worked for many and definitely for you too!

Avoid over-exaggeration: Your excuses to get out of homework should be realistic enough to any rational person.
Honesty is the best policy: A legitimate excuse would save you a lot of trouble instead of a mischievous and cunning reason.
Wisely choose your reason: If you choose an excuse that your lecturer knows perfectly well that it is a lie, then your fall from grace would be twice as much!

With these tricks, you will be able to come up with the best homework excuse ever! Not even a genius professor can detect the slightest of mischief in your excuse.

Frequently Asked Questions

Alexa Donne is an exceptional online writer who is skilled and passionate about her work. She creates high-quality content that captivates the readers’ attention and ensures you get the best grade in your research papers and essays.

Don't Let Homework Take Over Your Life

Homework Excuses: Top Guide To Help You Not Do Homework

Homework excuses are common among students at all educational levels. It’s no secret that many learners dislike homework and must find ways to convince educators they are not at fault. Although academic life is exciting, it comes with burdens. Life hardships make some learners unable to complete homework within the deadlines that educators stipulate.

Whether in college, high school, or university, you will need excuses for not doing your homework. This article lists some of the best reasons learners give for not completing their homework. It’s helpful because not every learner is sufficiently creative to convince the teacher or professor to pardon them for not completing assignments.

What Are Homework Excuses?

A homework excuse is a story, explanation, or alibi that a student gives the teacher or professor for not completing their homework.

A learner may require an excuse for various reasons. For instance, they may need it to cover up for something else or lack a good reason to justify their inability to submit the assignment. Regardless of the case, students can use different excuses to convince educators not to punish or penalize them.

Excuses for not doing homework are essential for several reasons. For instance, a learner could be having a bad day. Or they may not feel like doing the assignment. Some educators bombard learners with many tasks with strict deadlines. In that case, students may lack time to do all the coursework and score their desired grades. Therefore, they can give excuses to get extra time to complete the homework.

What Is The Purpose Of HW Excuses?

Every student has been there- you have homework, but certain things prevent you from doing it.

The primary purpose of excuses is to temporarily help you get out of trouble for not doing the task. They can also allow you to focus on what prevents you from doing it.

Homework excuses give students a way to explain why they didn’t do their assignments. While learners have different reasons for using an excuse, the bottom line is avoiding the consequences of not completing the work or punishment. Nevertheless, students should keep a few things in mind whenever they use an excuse to justify their inability to submit homework on time.

First, learners should ensure their excuses are believable. A student shouldn’t try to use a fake reason, like saying your dog ate your homework. Second, they should prepare to back up their story if necessary. If the teacher asks for more information about the excuse, the learner should be ready to give it. Finally, students shouldn’t overuse excuses. If they constantly make excuses for not doing their homework, the teacher will catch on eventually.

Good Homework Excuses For Different Situations

An excuse for not completing homework can come in handy in different situations. Here are seven examples of reasons for not doing homework.

If you didn’t do your homework because you forgot about it, you could say that you were sick or that something came up that prevented you from doing it. Maybe you didn’t do your homework because you didn’t understand it. In that case, you can say that the instructions were confusing or that you couldn’t find the needed information. If you didn’t do your homework because you didn’t have enough time, you could say that you had extracurricular activities or that you had to work. Perhaps, you didn’t do your homework because you were procrastinating. In that case, you can say that you started it but ran out of time. If you didn’t do your homework because you were distracted, you can say that something came up or that you couldn’t focus. Maybe you didn’t do your homework because you were sick. If so, you can say that you had a doctor’s appointment or weren’t feeling well. If your reason for not doing homework was a busy schedule, you could say that you had a family emergency or that you had no option but to work.

Always remember that your excuse must be believable to serve its purpose. Therefore, choose a reason that best suits your situation.

Good Excuses To Miss Practice Or Class

Perhaps, you have other commitments that prevent you from attending practice or class. And this might prevent you from submitting your homework on time. In that case, you can give the following believable excuses:

I’m sorry I will miss practice/class. I have a doctor’s appointment.
I’m sorry I will miss practice/class. I have to work to avoid losing my job.
I’m sorry I will miss practice/class. My car broke down.
I’m sorry I will miss practice/class. My train has a delay.
I’m sorry I will miss practice/class. There is heavy traffic.

Note that you can also use these excuses for not completing your homework. Nevertheless, ensure you’re convincing the educator to believe you.

Advice On How To Give Good Excuses For Not Doing Homework

Not every learner can give an excuse and get away with it. That’s because educators were once students, meaning they knew all the tricks in the book. So, suppose you have difficulties giving your teacher a believable excuse for not completing and submitting homework. In that case, the following are tips for providing good excuses for not doing homework should help you get away with it.

Be confident: Unless you sell the excuse, chances are that your teacher won’t buy it. So, act as if you believe in what you’re saying, and chances are, your educator will find it too. Keep it short and sweet: The longer the story, the more likely it is to seem fabricated. So, make sure to keep your excuse short and to the point. Make it believable: As we said before, educators were once students. That means they know all of the excuses in the book. So, if you want to make your excuse believable, make sure it’s something that could happen. Be prepared to back it up: If your teacher asks for more information about your excuse, be ready to give it. And this will help make your story more believable. Don’t overuse excuses: If you’re constantly making excuses for not doing your homework, your teacher will catch on eventually. So, use them sparingly and only when necessary.

If you ever want to give excuses for homework, these tips should help you do so without getting caught. But if your teacher is on to your tricks, making up believable excuses might seem daunting. But don’t worry. There are still ways to make your reasons more plausible. For instance, try to use excuses that don’t involve technology. If you say your computer crashed and lost all your work, your teacher will likely ask for a hard copy or proof that you did the task.

Second, try to use excuses that are specific to the assignment. For example, if you’re trying to get out of doing a science project, saying you don’t have the materials is more believable than saying you don’t have the time. And finally, try to use excuses that are relevant to your life outside the school. If you’ve been sick recently or have a family emergency, your teacher is likelier to believe that you didn’t do your homework.

Nevertheless, the best way to avoid giving an excuse in the first place is to do your homework. That way, you won’t have to worry about coming up with a good reason for not doing it.

Tips On How To Avoid Making Excuses For Late Homework

Maybe you’ve given many excuses for not completing homework on time and think your teacher has begun suspecting you. Perhaps, you can no longer come up with the best excuses for not doing homework. In that case, the following tips will help you avoid giving excuses for missing class or not submitting homework on time.

Set a schedule: In addition to being organized, setting a schedule can help you avoid making excuses for failing to submit homework. That’s because scheduling will help you plan your time and ensure you’re working on your assignments when you’re supposed to be.
Be organized: If you want to avoid struggling to find the best excuses for missing school or not doing homework, try being organized. Organization means having a planner or another way to track your assignments and due dates.
Get rid of distractions: Another way to avoid excuses for failing to do homework is to get rid of distractions. And this could mean turning off your phone, getting off social media, and anything else that might prevent you from working on your assignments.
Start early: Another way to avoid excuses for missing homework is to start early. That way, you’ll have plenty of time to work on your assignments and won’t have to rush to finish them.
Ask for help: If you’re having trouble with your assignments, don’t hesitate to ask for help. For instance, you can turn to your parent, tutor, or even your teacher. Also, you can seek homework help online or pay for assignment . Nevertheless, choose a reputable service to ensure quality work and your information’s safety. Getting help will ensure that you complete your assignments and avoid making excuses for why they’re late.

These tips should help you avoid excuses because you will always complete your homework on time. Nevertheless, excuses are a necessary evil for students who want to get out of doing their homework. But with creativity, you can make even the most far-fetched excuse sound plausible. So next time you’re stuck trying to come up with an excuse, remember these tips, and you’ll be sure to get out of doing your homework in no time.

Get The Best Homework Help

Perhaps, you’re tired of struggling to find good excuses for missing homework. Maybe you want to ensure you always complete and submit your assignments on time. Perhaps you are out here thinking “who can do my assignment UK ?” In that case, we can help.

We offer high-quality homework assistance online to learners across educational levels. Whether in high school, pursuing our diploma, undergraduate, or post-graduate studies, we can help you. Our service is custom, cheap, and secure. We’re fast and reliable, with the best homework experts in all academic disciplines. Once you contact us saying, “Please do my homework,” we pick the most competent experts to start working on it immediately.

And this, combined with our expertise, enables us to deliver all assignments from our customers before their deadlines elapse. That means you will never struggle to find the best homework excuses with our service. So, use our service if you always want to be on good terms with your teacher or professor. Contact us now!

Get on top of your homework.

Browse links

© 2024 BuzzFeed, Inc
Consent Preferences
Accessibility Statement

Teachers Are Sharing The Absolute Worst Excuses They've Ever Heard And They're Really, Really Bad

"My dog ate my homework" just doesn't cut it anymore.

BuzzFeed Contributor

Have you ever come up with a wild excuse for not finishing your homework?

Turns out, you're not alone. When Reddit user u/Xplosion101 asked teachers, "What is the most ridiculous excuse for unfinished homework that you've ever heard?" the answers were laugh-out-loud funny.

1. Their grandma stole it.

"A kid (high school) claimed that he couldn’t do his homework because his grandmother wouldn’t give him back his textbook...which she had taken in retaliation for his theft of her wooden leg." — u/TrufflesDuVall

2. Their parrot flew into a fire.

"One kid told me his pet parrot flew onto the fireplace and caught on fire. It then proceeded to fly around the sitting room, and the dad tried to hit it with a frying pan because he was afraid the curtains would go up in flames if the parrot went close to them. The dad hit it into the kitchen and then grabbed it and threw it under a tap 'because you have to throw a parrot under a tap if it’s on fire.' He then said with all the drama, he’d forgotten to do his homework. Of course I let him off because it was the most creative story he’d come up with all year." — u/geoffraffe

3. A student left his homework in a room that he then forgot existed.

"The student claimed he put it in a room in his house. He then forgot the room existed. He was at a loss to explain where his homework was. He was upset to think he must have imagined doing it. He apologized to me.

"The next week, to his amazement, he 'found' the room, and more amazingly, he found his homework. He handed it in that week.

"Now, this may seem like nonsense, but it turns out he had an operation to remove a tumor from his brain when he was 10. One of the outcomes was a strange side effect that for a short period, he could utterly forget a room or more in his house.

"True story. Confirmed by his mother and sister." — u/ledgerdemaine

4. A sneaky kid "forgot" to submit his work.

Photo of a child attending school online

"We use Canvas, and a helicopter mom swears she sees her son submit work, but I never get it. I also require students to create a Google folder and share it with me so I have access to all docs. This student never did this. I pointed it out to Mom and she had me reshow him how to do this in class.

"Once I could see his Google folder, I saw that only one of the four assignments he 'submitted' was done. I let Mom know and she grounded him. Ahhh, sweet revenge.

"I’ve been emailing back and forth with this mom for so long! She blamed Canvas for everything, and I knew he was lying. Just glad she finally realized as well." — u/daviscait

5. A wild duck flew in and ate their homework.

"My son couldn't hand his homework in because...a duck flew into our kitchen, panicked, and landed on the kitchen table. Despite her panic, the duck spotted some Rice Krispies and started to eat them out of the bowl, splashing milk and cereal all over the homework. Then...the duck grabbed the homework page (I assume 'cause it was covered in cereal) and flew off with it. Not sure the teacher ever believed us." — u/suddenthing

6. The file was just not available.

Photo of a woman looking concerned at a computer

"Lately, it's always 'I couldn't access the file' OR, my personal favorite, 'the [student-facing interface] was acting up.' Like, mh-mmm, okay, but you have my email, I have a no-questions-asked extension policy for every assignment, and I assigned this to you five days ago." — u/insignificantnexus

7. It was in Mexico.

"I taught instrumental music down in South Texas, so I basically never gave any sort of homework outside of practicing. I gave the sixth-grade kiddos a super-basic theory sheet to complete that was due back in two days, since I had a dentist appointment the next day. As I’m collecting the sheets, a trombone kid tells me, 'My grandma stole my homework in Mexico and wouldn’t give it back.'

"Turns out they were visiting his grandparents over the border outside Matamoros, and his grandma really wanted something of his to hang on her refrigerator, so she took the homework he had just finished and put it up. Kid protested, but she wouldn’t relent, so he snapped a pic as proof. Graded the sheet from the picture. Kid got an A. I got a story." — u/BlooooContra

8. She broke her back.

Photo of a woman in a yellow sweater stretching her back

"'I broke my back' — she said as she walked toward my desk. I believe she was going to give a different excuse or at least mention a different body part, but the panic overwhelmed her and she went with her back. Both sadly and hilariously, I couldn't help but give her an 'Are you dumb?' face." — u/ElZariguea

9. A coffee disaster ensued.

"This reminds me of one of my chem lab professors. She was passing back lab reports, and when she got to the girl whose lab station was next to mine, she asked her, 'Do you like coffee?' The student replied that, yes, she does, so the professor said, 'Good! Then I hope you don't mind that I spilled coffee all over your lab report,' and handed her a very brown and crinkly stack of papers." — u/theknightmanager

10. Their cat ate their homework.

Photo of an "over it" cat sitting on a chair

"One of my classmates said that their dog ate their homework. She has a cat...and the homework was online." — u/Cap_ultimate

11. Their dog actually...ate their homework.

"I remember in kindergarten, my dog actually ate my homework. I don't think the teacher knew I was telling the truth." — u/DJEFFF900

12. Their dad sold it!

"'I did the homework the day you gave it to us [which was one week ago], except that I did it in an old rough copybook of mine, and yesterday when I got back from school, Dad had sold all of our old stationeries for petty cash. I was so mad at my dad, I didn't do my homework to teach him a lesson. Could you please call home and tell him about this?'" — the_angshu_man

13. The teacher's kid tore up the students' homework.

Photo of a toddler distracting her mother

"My toddler once completely shredded about five kids' assignments I'd taken home to mark. Luckily, they were able to reprint them for me, but it was a little embarrassing." — u/HappiHappiHappi

14. They burned their workbook at Boy Scouts.

"I had a math workbook that was basically all of our assignments and homework throughout the whole year. We would do the assignments and turn in the workbooks to be graded, and get them back. I hated math.

"I went on a camping trip with the Boy Scouts after we finished all the work in that stupid workbook for the year, and I gleefully tossed my completed workbook into a fire, let it burn up for a few seconds, then fished its charred remains out before it was completely destroyed and stuck it in a ziplock bag as some kind of keepsake.

"Anyway, we got back to school on Monday for the last week before summer break, and the math teacher announced that we all needed to turn in our completed workbooks for a final grade on them. My classmates who were on the camping trip with me immediately looked at me, because they knew what happened to my workbook.

"Anyway, I ended up handing the teacher the clear plastic bag with the still-identifiable remains of my workbook. I probably explained that I hadn't known we would need to turn it in again. I don't remember what specifically happened with it, but I didn't get it trouble." — u/Th3Element05

15. A squirrel went and defecated on their homework.

Photo of a squirrel hiding behind a tree.

"Well, my math books were defecated on by squirrels. The teacher didn't even take them home; they came in the pivot windows (I think during half term) and couldn't get out immediately, so they went to the toilet everywhere." — u/espardale

16. An actual broken arm prevented them from doing their homework.

Photo of a doctor wrapping a child's arm in a bandage

"One of my classmates in fifth grade came to school with a cast and said his homework wasn’t done because he broke his arm and was at the hospital all night. He actually broke his dominant arm, and the teacher told him that that was no excuse for not completing his homework." — u/Www-MtnDew-com

17. A cat gave birth and ruined their homework.

"I heard the excuse, 'My cat gave birth on my homework' — and then they proceeded to share a picture of a whole litter of slimy kittens on a pile of sheets." — u/Joelymolee

Do you have any excuses for not doing your homework that actually worked? Let us know in the comments!

Note: Some responses have been edited for length and/or clarity.

Share This Article

PRO Courses Guides New Tech Help Pro Expert Videos About wikiHow Pro Upgrade Sign In
EDIT Edit this Article
EXPLORE Tech Help Pro About Us Random Article Quizzes Request a New Article Community Dashboard This Or That Game Popular Categories Arts and Entertainment Artwork Books Movies Computers and Electronics Computers Phone Skills Technology Hacks Health Men's Health Mental Health Women's Health Relationships Dating Love Relationship Issues Hobbies and Crafts Crafts Drawing Games Education & Communication Communication Skills Personal Development Studying Personal Care and Style Fashion Hair Care Personal Hygiene Youth Personal Care School Stuff Dating All Categories Arts and Entertainment Finance and Business Home and Garden Relationship Quizzes Cars & Other Vehicles Food and Entertaining Personal Care and Style Sports and Fitness Computers and Electronics Health Pets and Animals Travel Education & Communication Hobbies and Crafts Philosophy and Religion Work World Family Life Holidays and Traditions Relationships Youth
Browse Articles
Learn Something New
Quizzes Hot
This Or That Game New
Train Your Brain
Explore More
Support wikiHow
About wikiHow
Log in / Sign up

20 Good Excuses to Miss Work on Short Notice

Last Updated: August 28, 2023 Fact Checked

This article was co-authored by Elaine Lou Cartas and by wikiHow staff writer, Dan Hickey . Elaine Lou Cartas is an award-winning Business & Executive Career Coach and the CEO of Elaine Lou Coaching, based in Los Angeles, California. With over 10+ years of professional experience, Elaine guides women of color, and allies, who’ve established themselves in leadership and executive roles to create a holistic life so they can lead without sacrificing their well-being. She was awarded #1 Thought Leader by LA Weekly + Top 5 Business Coaches by Apple News for 2023. Her career advice has also been featured in Fobes, Business Insider, Money Magazine, and LinkedIn News. Elaine is also the host of the Color Your Dreams Podcast (https://elainelou.com/coloryourdreams/). Elaine received her Bachelor's degree in Psychology and Sociology from the University of California, Irvine; and her Master's in Leadership and Management at the University of La Verne. There are 8 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 728,675 times.

We all feel the need to skip work some days, but what are good excuses to miss work on short notice? If you don’t think you can get away with your usual excuse again, don’t worry—there are a ton of other believable reasons to call off work last minute or leave work early. We’ve put together a handy list of 20 bulletproof excuses to get out of work that will make your boss sympathetic and get you a much-needed day off. If you’re ready for a mid-week day at home, keep scrolling!

Things You Should Know

Keep it short and sweet by saying you don't feel well. If pressed, say you have a migraine, the flu, food poisoning, or you threw out your back.
Tell your boss that you have an emergency appointment. This could be for you, or it could be for a "sick" child, spouse, or pet.
To avoid health-related excuses, say that you're locked out of your car or you have a flat tire.

Email Template and Text Examples to Miss Work

You’re not feeling well.

You can’t predict illness, so calling in sick is an effective excuse.

“I woke up this morning with an awful sore throat and cough. I’d hate to get anyone else sick, so I won’t be coming in today.”
“My allergies are horrible today because of the change in weather. I can’t get my symptoms under control, so I need to take a sick day today.”
“I’ve got terrible menstrual cramps today and can barely move off the couch. Unfortunately I’m not going to make it into work this afternoon.”

You’ve got a sick child to take care of.

Sick kids get sympathy, especially if your boss has met them before.

“My son woke up with a fever this morning and I need to take today off to take care of him.”
“My twins were throwing up all night and I need to be home to monitor them today.”
“I can’t make it in today. Strep throat has been going around my daughter’s school and it looks like she’s caught it.”

You have a last-minute doctor’s appointment.

Doctor’s appointments are cliché, but they work when used sparingly.

“I’ve been trying to get an appointment for weeks and a slot just opened up for tomorrow, so I’ll need to take the day off.”
“I woke up with a high fever and had to make a last-minute appointment to get checked out. I’m sorry for the late notice, but I can’t come in to work today.”
“My doctor’s office called and rescheduled my appointment for this afternoon. Unfortunately I’ll have to leave work early today.”

You’ve got food poisoning.

Food poisoning is sudden and severe, and people know how awful it is.

“I’ve been up all night with food poisoning and there’s no way I can come into work today.”
“I think I’ve come down with food poisoning. I can’t keep anything down, so I’m going to have to take today off.”
“I went out to eat last night and I think I contracted food poisoning. I’m not going to make it to the office today. Hopefully I’ll be recovered by tomorrow.”

You’ve got a dental emergency or appointment.

A chipped tooth is a great excuses to miss work last-minute.

“I broke a tooth at breakfast this morning and need to go see a dentist right away.”
“There was a cancellation at my dentist’s office and my appointment got rescheduled for today, so I won’t make my shift.”
“I slipped on ice while walking to my car and busted a few teeth. I have to go in for emergency dental surgery and can’t come into work today.”

You’re coping with a migraine.

Migraines are severe and make it nearly impossible to work efficiently.

“I’ve got a horrible migraine today and there’s no way I can make it through my shift later. I’m going to need to take today off.”
“I have a migraine today and it hurts to even look at a computer screen. I’m taking a sick day today.”
“I can’t come in this evening. I’ve had a horrible migraine all day and it doesn’t seem like it’s getting better anytime soon.”

You had a minor accident or injury.

“I tripped over my son’s Lego spaceship and rolled my ankle. I’m hobbling pretty poorly and need the day off to recover.”
“I twisted my knee on a run last night and it’s swollen and painful today. I need to go to the doctor to get it checked out, so I need the day off.”
“I sliced my hand open when I broke a dish this morning. I have to go get stitches and won’t be coming in today.”

You threw out your back.

Almost nothing is more universally loathed than a hurt or strained back.

“I did something to my back at the gym this morning and can barely move.”
“I threw out my back yesterday while I was moving some appliances around for my kitchen renovation.”
“I had to help my daughter move into her dorm yesterday and hurt my back lifting some heavy boxes. I’m gonna need to take a day off to recover.”

You need a mental health day.

Mental health is personal, so empathetic bosses won’t push back hard.

“I’ve been under a lot of stress getting ready for my wedding next week and need a day off to get myself together.”
“My anxiety has been through the roof this week. I’m taking a personal day today to take care of myself.”
“Without going into too much detail, I’m in a rough spot mentally and need some time off today.”

You were exposed to Covid.

In today’s world, Covid is the ultimate excuse to get out of work.

“I just found out I was exposed to Covid at a family gathering yesterday. I don’t have symptoms, but will not be coming in until I can get a negative test result.”
“I was in close contact with someone who has an active Covid infection last night. I will be staying home to quarantine today.”
“I was exposed to Covid recently. My rapid test was negative, but I can’t come in today since I’m waiting on my PCR results.”
Double check your company’s Covid policy before using this excuse. You may be required to quarantine for several days or weeks.

You just donated blood.

“I wasn’t expecting to feel so lightheaded after donating. I don’t think it’s a good idea for me to come in today.”
“I fainted after my blood donation this morning and need the day to recover.”
“The nurse who took my blood recommended I stay home today since I felt pretty weak afterwards.”

You have a pet emergency or vet appointment.

Adorable pets will get you sympathy from your boss or manager.

“My cat won’t eat or drink anything and I’m worried about her health. I had to make an emergency vet appointment.”
“My dog ate something in the trash and is now very sick. I need to stay home today to watch him.”
“My dog went after a raccoon on our morning walk today and got bitten and scratched. I’m worried about infection so I had to make a last-minute vet appointment.”

You’ve got a family emergency.

Family emergencies work great since they can be vague or personal.

“My father fell this morning and has to go into emergency surgery. I need to be at the hospital with him and can’t make it into work today.”
“I got a call from my elderly grandma and she sounded completely incoherent. I’ve got to check in on her and won’t be coming in today.”
“I’m experiencing a family emergency today and need to leave town unexpectedly. I’m sorry for the inconvenience, but I can’t come in today.”

You can’t find childcare.

Childcare is hard to find when your usual daycare or caretaker falls through.

“My nanny called in sick at the last minute and I can’t find anyone else to watch my daughter.”
“My son is being sent home from school early today and now I have to go pick him up. I’m going to have to leave the office early today.”
“My daughter’s daycare class has to quarantine because of a Covid exposure and I couldn’t find a babysitter to watch her today.”

You’ve got out-of-town visitors.

Unexpected friends or family are a valid excuse to take time off.

“My mom is surprising me with a visit tomorrow and I haven’t seen her since before the pandemic. I’m going to need the day off.”
“My brother is flying into town unexpectedly to deal with a personal emergency and I need to be available to pick him up from O’Hare.”
“My sister got called into jury duty and I have to watch my nephew all day tomorrow, so I’ll need to take the day off.”

You’re taking care of a household problem.

Most people understand that severe home issues can happen any time.

“My basement is completely flooded because of that storm last night. I’ve got to stay home today to do damage control and get some repair people in here.”
“The stairs on my back porch collapsed and the only time a carpenter could come take a look is during my shift today. Unfortunately I’ll need the day off.”
“A pipe burst in my kitchen and I had to call an emergency plumber. I can’t make it into work today.”

You’re expecting an important delivery.

In the United States, almost 1.7 million packages are stolen every day.

“I’m having a new oven delivered and installed tomorrow, so I’ll need to take the day off.”
“I have to be home tomorrow to sign for an important package from a relative. The delivery window is all day, so I can’t come into work.”
“My couch delivery is coming sooner than expected and I need to take this afternoon off to be home for it.”

You’re having car trouble.

If you need your car to get to work, this is a golden excuse to call off.

“I can’t get my car to start. Unfortunately I can’t make it to work until I figure out what’s wrong.”
“I got a flat tire on my way to work this morning. I need to take my car in to get a replacement and won’t be coming in today.”
“I noticed some smoke coming out from under the hood and took my car to the mechanic. It’ll be in the shop all day, so I’ll need the day off.”

You’re locked out of your house or car.

Getting locked out is a universally frustrating experience.

“I locked my keys in the car while I was warming it up this morning. I can’t leave until my wife gets home with the spare keys.”
“I’m locked out of my apartment and my roommate is out of town until tomorrow. The locksmith won’t come until this afternoon, so I have to miss work today.”
“I lost my keys at the gym this morning and can’t get in to change for my shift. I have to wait for my boyfriend to get home and make key copies.”

You’re observing a religious holiday.

Religious holidays work as long as you tell your boss a little in advance.

“I will be taking tomorrow off in observance of Yom Kippur.”
“I can’t come into work on Friday in observance of Diwali.”
“Work is restricted on Fridays during Ramadan, so I will be leaving early tomorrow.”

Community Q&A

Keep your excuse brief since too many details might begin to sound fabricated. Just state your excuse, apologize for the late notice, and mention you’ll give more information once you have it. [21] X Research source Thanks Helpful 4 Not Helpful 3
Consider whether your excuse makes more sense if it’s spontaneous (like an injury or car trouble) or if it needs advance notice to make sense (like a religious holiday or an important upcoming delivery). Thanks Helpful 3 Not Helpful 2
When possible, call your manager instead of texting or emailing. It shows that your excuse is urgent and that you’re taking extra care to alert them as soon as possible. Thanks Helpful 2 Not Helpful 1

Review your company’s policies about missing work before calling in with an excuse. Too many absences might result in probation or disciplinary action (plus you’ll want to save some sick days for actual illnesses and emergencies). Thanks Helpful 18 Not Helpful 2
Consistency is key. If you call in sick, avoid posting photos on social media of yourself at a party or on the beach with alcohol. Your employer may see them, leading to truancy dismissal and negative references that can harm future employment. Furthermore, your credibility will be damaged, making it difficult for others to trust you. Thanks Helpful 2 Not Helpful 1

What to Say when Calling in Sick with Diarrhea

↑ https://www.thejub.com/millennial-career-resources/7-best-excuses-not-to-go-to-work
↑ https://careersidekick.com/excuses-to-miss-work/
↑ https://www.insidermonkey.com/blog/14-good-excuses-to-miss-work-on-short-notice-609876/?singlepage=1
↑ https://hqhire.com/reasons-to-miss-work-last-minute/
↑ https://thebalancework.com/good-excuses-to-miss-work-on-short-notice/
↑ https://www.zippia.com/advice/excuses-to-miss-work/
↑ https://www.cnbc.com/2020/01/10/package-theft-how-amazon-google-others-are-fighting-porch-pirates.html
↑ https://careeremployer.com/miscellaneous/12-excuses-to-miss-work-on-short-notice/

About This Article

Send fan mail to authors

Did this article help you?

Featured Articles

Watch Articles

Terms of Use
Privacy Policy
Do Not Sell or Share My Info
Not Selling Info

Don’t miss out! Sign up for

wikiHow’s newsletter

35 Believable Excuses to Miss Work on Short Notice

Navigating the need for time off work can sometimes feel challenging, but there are plenty of legitimate reasons that may require you to miss work on short notice. In this article, we explore 35 legitimate reasons to miss work, providing examples, explanations, and key points for each.

Whether you're dealing with a personal health issue, a family emergency, an unexpected event, or even a much-needed personal day, understanding these potential scenarios can help you communicate more effectively with your employer.

However, honesty is always the best policy when it comes to taking time off work. Remember that lying or falsifying reasons for missing work can lead to severe consequences, including loss of trust, disciplinary action, or even termination. Always be truthful about your reasons for needing time off. Your employer will likely appreciate your honesty, and in most cases, be understanding of your situation.

This article is set up as a comprehensive list, offering 35 different reasons why you might need to miss work. This structure should make it easy to navigate and find the information that's most relevant to you. We hope this article offers a helpful guide for those unexpected life events that require time away from work.

Illness is a common reason for missing work on short notice. The specific nature of the illness can range from a mild cold or flu to more serious conditions. Importantly, if you are unwell, it is often better to stay home to rest, recover, and avoid spreading any infectious illness to your coworkers. It's always advisable to seek medical attention and follow their advice regarding rest and returning to work.

For instance, if you wake up with a fever and body aches, you may have contracted the flu. In this case, it's crucial to prioritize your health and reduce the risk of infecting your coworkers by staying at home. Remember to notify your employer as soon as possible, and if required, provide a doctor's note.

2. Medical Appointments

Medical appointments, particularly with specialists, often need to be scheduled during regular business hours. This can make it challenging to avoid missing some work, especially if the medical issue is urgent or ongoing. Regular check-ups and preventative appointments are also important for maintaining your health. Employers usually understand this necessity, but it's important to communicate and plan these absences ahead of time when possible.

Imagine you have an appointment with a cardiologist for an ongoing heart condition. These types of specialists often have limited availability, and the appointment could be crucial for your health. In such a situation, you should inform your employer about your medical condition and the need for your absence. Consider offering to make up for the lost time or work remotely, if possible.

3. Family Emergency

A family emergency can happen unexpectedly and needs immediate attention, making it a legitimate reason for missing work. These emergencies could be due to health issues, accidents, or other urgent matters involving a close family member. During such difficult times, your presence might be required for emotional support or practical assistance.

For example, if your partner or child has a severe accident at home and needs immediate medical attention, you might need to rush them to the hospital and stay with them. In this situation, it's crucial to notify your employer about the emergency as soon as you can. Employers often offer family emergency leaves for such situations.

4. Unexpected Childcare Issue

Childcare can sometimes present unforeseen issues that require immediate attention. Your regular babysitter may fall ill, or your daycare center may unexpectedly close. In such cases, it may be necessary to miss work to take care of your child. Balancing work and family life can be challenging, and most employers will understand these occasional unavoidable circumstances.

An example could be a situation where you receive a call from your daycare provider saying they have a plumbing emergency and have to close for the day. In this case, you would need to stay home with your child. It would be helpful to inform your employer of the situation as soon as possible. If your work allows, you could also explore the possibility of working from home for the day.

5. Personal Emergency

Personal emergencies are unexpected situations in your personal life that require immediate attention. These emergencies can include anything from a flooded basement, a car accident, or a fire in your home. These situations often require immediate attention and can make it impossible to attend work.

For example, if you wake up to find your basement flooded due to a burst pipe, your immediate attention and action would be required to prevent further damage. This would involve contacting a plumber, potentially a cleanup crew, and possibly your insurance company. In such scenarios, keep open communication with your employer, inform them of the situation, and give them an estimated time of your unavailability. If possible, try to make up for the lost work time later or work remotely if your situation allows.

6. Mental Health Day

Mental health is just as important as physical health, and sometimes you may need to take a day off to take care of your psychological wellbeing. Overworking, chronic stress, or personal issues can contribute to deteriorating mental health. Recognizing the need to recharge and taking time off can prevent burnout and more serious mental health issues down the line.

For instance, you might be feeling overwhelmed and emotionally drained due to a high-stress project. It's entirely appropriate to take a day for yourself to rest, engage in stress-relieving activities, and regain your mental strength. It's essential to communicate your need for a mental health day to your employer honestly, and ideally before you've reached a point of crisis.

7. Death of a Close One

The death of a loved one can be a devastating event. Grieving is a personal process that takes time and looks different for everyone. Some people may require more time than others to process their loss and may find it hard to concentrate on work during this time.

For example, if a close family member passes away, you'll likely need to take time off for the funeral and to grieve. Most employers have policies in place for bereavement leave and will understand your need to take time off. It's important to communicate openly with your employer about your situation and the time you'll need off.

8. Unexpected Vehicle Issues

Cars can break down unexpectedly, or there may be disruptions to public transportation. These situations can cause delays or make it impossible for you to get to work. Having your car serviced regularly can minimize the risk of breakdowns, but unexpected issues can still arise.

Consider a scenario where your car won't start due to a dead battery. While this is a situation that can usually be resolved within the day, it may cause you to miss work or arrive late. Notify your employer as soon as possible about the situation. If you can, try to find an alternate means of transportation to minimize your downtime.

9. House Problems

Significant problems in your home, such as plumbing issues, power outages, or a broken heating system, may require you to stay home to resolve them. These issues can arise unexpectedly and often need immediate attention to prevent further damage and disruption.

For example, if your furnace breaks down in the middle of winter, you will likely need to wait at home for a repair person to fix it. It's essential to inform your employer about the situation and the expected timeline for resolution. If possible and applicable to your work, you may be able to work remotely while waiting for the issue to be resolved.

10. Jury Duty

Jury duty is a civic obligation that most people will have to perform at some point. The notice usually comes in advance, but the actual dates can often be unpredictable and fall during work hours. Most employers are understanding about the need for jury duty leave, as it is a legal requirement.

For instance, if you've received a notice for jury duty that falls on a workday, you're required by law to attend. It's important to notify your employer about your jury duty as soon as you receive the notice. Most places of employment have policies in place to handle these situations, and they can guide you on the next steps.

11. Attending a Funeral

Attending a funeral, particularly of a close friend or family member, is a legitimate and common reason to miss work. It provides closure and allows one to pay their final respects. Bereavement leave is often provided by employers to accommodate such circumstances.

For example, if a close family friend passes away and the funeral is held during your regular working hours, you may need to take time off work. It's crucial to inform your employer of the situation and provide as much notice as possible. In most cases, employers will understand and allow the necessary time off.

12. Bad Weather

There are times when severe weather conditions can make commuting unsafe. Heavy snow, hurricanes, extreme heatwaves, or flood warnings can all pose significant threats and hinder transportation.

For example, suppose there's a severe snowstorm forecasted for your area that's expected to make roads unsafe. In this case, it would be prudent to stay home and avoid the potential dangers of attempting to commute to work. Be sure to inform your employer as soon as possible about your circumstances. Some employers might even have policies in place for such instances or may allow you to work from home.

Injuries, whether they happen at work or outside of it, can make it impossible for you to perform your job functions or commute to work. They often require immediate medical attention and possibly time for recovery.

For instance, if you sprain your ankle severely while jogging, you might be unable to travel or stand for extended periods, depending on your job. In such a situation, it's best to focus on your recovery to avoid exacerbating the injury. Always keep your employer informed about your condition and provide them with a reasonable timeline for your return based on medical advice.

14. Unexpected Travel

There might be instances where you need to travel unexpectedly due to a family or personal crisis. This could be anything from a sick relative in a different city to an urgent property issue that needs resolving.

For example, if your parents live in another state and one of them falls critically ill, you may need to travel there to support them. In such scenarios, explain the situation to your employer and provide them with an estimated timeline for your return. Most employers understand the urgency of family crises and grant leaves for the same.

15. Court Appearances

Court appearances, whether they are directly related to you or involve a family member, usually can't be rescheduled. These appearances could be for a variety of legal matters and failing to attend can have severe consequences.

For example, you may be involved in a legal dispute and are required to appear in court on a particular day. Make sure to inform your employer about the requirement as soon as you receive the court notice. Provide them with the date and the expected duration of your absence so they can plan accordingly.

16. Dental Emergency

Dental emergencies can be extremely painful and debilitating, often requiring immediate attention. This can include a sudden toothache, broken tooth, lost fillings, or other dental problems. Failing to address these issues promptly can lead to more serious complications.

For example, if you wake up with unbearable tooth pain, you will likely need to see a dentist immediately. It's essential to keep your employer informed about the situation and provide them with an estimated timeline of when you'll be able to return to work based on your dentist's advice.

17. Pet Emergencies

Just like human family members, pets can also have medical emergencies that require immediate attention. Since our pets can't tell us when something is wrong, symptoms may appear suddenly and require urgent veterinary care.

For instance, if your dog ingests something harmful and needs emergency care, you would likely need to miss work to attend to this situation. Be sure to inform your employer about the situation as soon as possible. If your job allows for it, consider working remotely once your pet is stabilized.

18. Illness of a Close Family Member

When a close family member is severely ill, they may need your care and support. This could require taking them to doctor's appointments, providing emotional support, or assisting with their care at home.

For example, if your child wakes up with a high fever and needs to be taken to the doctor, you will likely need to miss work. Communicate the situation to your employer promptly and keep them updated on when you'll be able to return to work. Many employers offer family sick leave for situations like this.

19. School Event

Important school events such as performances, parent-teacher meetings, or sports days often fall during working hours and can require parents to take time off work. Attending these events supports your child's academic and personal growth.

For instance, if your child is performing in a school play that takes place during your work hours, you would likely want to attend. Inform your employer in advance about the event and request time off. Most employers understand the importance of these occasions and will grant you the necessary time off.

20. Home Delivery

Occasionally, you may need to be at home to receive a delivery of a major appliance, furniture, or other large items. These deliveries usually require someone to be at home and can't always be scheduled outside of working hours.

As an example, if you've ordered a new refrigerator and the company can only deliver it during your work hours, you'll need to be at home to receive it. Be sure to inform your employer as soon as you have the delivery date and request the necessary time off. If your job allows for it, you might be able to work from home for part of the day.

21. Home Repair or Maintenance

Occasionally, urgent home repairs or maintenance tasks may require you to be present at home. These could be planned activities like a kitchen renovation or unplanned emergencies such as a leaky roof.

Consider a situation where a pipe bursts in your home and you urgently need a plumber to fix it. You'd need to be at home to handle the situation, which may result in missing work. Communicate the issue to your employer as soon as possible. In many cases, remote work may be possible while you wait for repairs to be completed.

22. Moving House

Moving to a new house can be a time-consuming process. It involves packing, moving large items, and possibly cleaning. Although much of this can be planned for weekends or outside of work hours, the actual moving day might fall on a workday.

If you're moving to a new house and the movers are scheduled to come on a workday, you'll need to request a day off. Make sure to give your employer plenty of notice so they can plan for your absence. They may even allow you to work remotely part of the day if needed.

23. Study or Exam

If you are pursuing further education while working, there may be times when you need to study for an important exam or complete a major project. Balancing work and studies can be challenging, but most employers will support your educational pursuits.

Suppose you have a major certification exam coming up that requires intensive preparation. In such a case, you might need to take a day off to concentrate on your studies. Inform your employer in advance about the exam and your need for a day off to prepare.

24. Marriage or Civil Ceremony

Attending a marriage or civil ceremony, either your own or of a close friend or family member, is a valid reason to miss work. These events often require travel and preparation time, and are generally understood to be important personal commitments.

For example, if your sibling is getting married in a different city, you'll likely need to take time off work for travel and to attend the wedding. As soon as you know the date, notify your employer and request the necessary time off.

25. Job Interview

While it may feel uncomfortable to take time off work for a job interview, it's a legitimate reason to miss work. Interviews often fall within working hours and can't always be scheduled outside of these times. It's best to be discreet about the reason for your absence.

For instance, if you're called for a job interview that's scheduled during your work hours, you may need to take time off. To keep things discreet, you could request a personal day without disclosing the specific reason. Remember to be respectful of your current employer's time and resources while navigating your job search.

26. Volunteer Work

Some people choose to participate in volunteer work or community service that can fall within their work hours. Whether it's a one-time event or a regular commitment, this can be a valid reason to miss work, particularly if your employer encourages community involvement.

For example, you may be involved in a local charity that's hosting a special event during your work hours. Let your employer know about your involvement as early as possible and request the necessary time off. Some employers even offer paid volunteer days as part of their benefits package.

27. Religious Observance

Religious observances and ceremonies are legitimate reasons to miss work. These could include holidays, festivals, or special rituals that are important to your faith.

For instance, if there's a significant religious holiday that you observe which falls on a workday, you'll need to request a day off. Notify your employer as soon as you're aware of the date, and request the necessary time off. Employers are typically understanding of such circumstances and legally obliged to reasonably accommodate religious practices.

28. Personal Emergency

Personal emergencies are unexpected events that require immediate attention. These could include a break-in at your home, a sudden financial issue, or an unexpected legal matter.

Consider a scenario where you have a sudden legal issue that requires you to meet with your lawyer immediately. You would likely need to take time off work to resolve the matter. Be sure to inform your employer as soon as possible, giving as much detail as you feel comfortable sharing.

29. Health Appointments

Health appointments, such as regular check-ups, specialist appointments, or therapy sessions, can sometimes only be scheduled during work hours. Preventative care and management of ongoing health issues are important for your overall well-being.

For example, if you have a specialist appointment that can only be scheduled during your work hours, you'll need to take time off. Inform your employer about the appointment as soon as it's scheduled, and provide an estimate of when you'll be able to return to work.

30. Personal Well-being Day

Sometimes, you may just need a day off for personal well-being. This could be to relax, pursue a hobby, or spend time with family and friends. Personal well-being days can help prevent burnout and improve overall job satisfaction.

For example, if you've been feeling particularly stressed and overworked, you might need to take a personal day to relax and recharge. Let your employer know that you need a day off for personal reasons. Most employers understand the importance of work-life balance and the need for personal time.

31. Child's Sick Day

If you have children, there will inevitably be times when they're sick and unable to attend school or daycare. Often, this will require a parent to stay home with them.

For example, if your child wakes up with a fever and you can't send them to school, you'll need to take the day off to care for them. Be sure to inform your employer as soon as possible. Many employers have policies in place to support parents in these circumstances.

32. Attending a Conference

Many professionals attend conferences, seminars, or other professional development events to stay up-to-date in their field. While some of these may be sponsored by your employer, others may not be, and could require taking time off work.

For instance, if there's a conference relevant to your field happening during your work hours, you may wish to attend. In this case, discuss the opportunity with your employer as soon as you can. They may even consider it as part of your professional development and support you in attending it.

33. Unexpected Family Responsibilities

Unpredictable family responsibilities such as caring for an elderly family member, attending a family reunion, or handling a family dispute may require your immediate attention and presence.

Suppose your elderly parent falls ill suddenly and needs your help. In such a scenario, you would likely need to take time off to care for them. Be open with your employer about your situation and provide them with an estimate of when you'll be able to return to work.

34. Attending Important School Event

Major life events such as graduations, milestone birthdays, or other significant school events are important to attend and can fall during work hours.

For example, if your child is graduating and the ceremony falls on a weekday during your working hours, you'll want to be there. Notify your employer well in advance and request the necessary time off. Most employers understand the importance of these milestones and will accommodate your request.

35. Attending to a Crisis at Home

A crisis at home can include anything from a burglary, fire, or other disasters that require your immediate attention and presence.

For example, if there's a fire at your home, you will need to attend to the situation immediately. Notify your employer about the crisis as soon as you can and provide them with an estimate of when you'll be able to return to work. Many employers will be understanding and supportive in these situations.

50+ Excuses To Leave Work Early (REAL Examples)
What is Job Satisfaction?
Health Psychologist Career (Salary + Duties + Interviews)
Industrial Organizational Psychology (Full Guide)
40+ Famous Psychologists (Images + Biographies)

Reference this article:

About The Author

Free Personality Test

Free Memory Test

Free IQ Test

PracticalPie.com is a participant in the Amazon Associates Program. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

Youtube Facebook Instagram X/Twitter

Psychology Resources

Developmental

Personality

Relationships

Psychologists

Serial Killers

Psychology Tests

Personality Quiz

Memory Test

Depression test

Type A/B Personality Test

12 Best Excuses to Miss Work (Last Minute/Short Notice)

By Biron Clark

Published: November 1, 2023

Biron Clark

Writer & Career Coach

If you need to miss work, including on short notice, this article will give you the 12 best excuses to do it. Calling out of work doesn’t need to be difficult, but if you give the wrong reason, it could leave your boss doubting you and could even get you fired in some states. So keep reading for 12 believable excuses for missing work, even at the last minute.

12 Good Excuses to Call Out of Work

1. you’re sick.

Saying that you feel ill is one of the best excuses for missing work. A company/boss will not want you in the office if you’re sick and possibly contagious. Not only that, but since it takes at least a day or two to recover from the typical illness, it’s a surefire way to get out of work for at least one full day (whereas, if you say you have a dentist appointment, your boss is likely to ask, “What time is the appointment, and can you come in after?”) Telling your boss you’re feeling sick is one of the simplest and best ways to miss work on short notice because of the factors above.

Use these sick-day email templates to request the day off hassle-free.

Just be aware if you call in sick that some particularly strict/old-fashioned employers may want a doctor’s note as proof of illness when you return.And if you’ve got a terrible boss or company, they may still pressure you to come in. If you have that concern, or you’ve tried this excuse for missing work in the past and had trouble, keep reading for more ideas…

2. You’re caring for a sick child or family member

Along with calling in sick, there’s another equally good excuse for taking a day or more off: caring for a sick child or family member. These are both valid reasons to miss a day of work and qualify as an emergency that most employers will understand. Saying you need to care for a sick child is one of the best excuses to use at the last minute, including the same day of your work shift. You can simply call and say, “I’m sorry but my child is feeling ill and there’s nobody else who can care for them on such short notice. I’ll need to take a day to handle this emergency and I’ll return to work tomorrow.” Family emergencies happen and most employers will understand and be sympathetic when you call in sick for a medical reason. If you’re not comfortable using health as your reason for calling out of work, then keep reading for more ideas and excuses…

Watch: 12 Good Excuses to Call Out of Work

3. you have a family emergency.

A family emergency is one of the best reasons to call out of work because you usually won’t face many follow-up questions and won’t have to go into too much detail. The typical boss will quickly accept this excuse to miss work without much questioning or doubt. They may not even ask when you’ll be able to return and instead say, “Just let me know if you’re able to come in tomorrow.” However, one downside of using this excuse to miss work is that you’ll almost certainly be asked if the situation has improved once you return to work. Just don’t forget about what you said when you called in sick, so that you’re not caught off-guard when your boss later asks, “How did the family emergency turn out? Is everything okay now?” Otherwise, this is a good, reliable excuse that you can tell your boss to miss work, even on short notice.

4. You have food poisoning

Usually, you don’t want to be too specific when saying you’re sick as an excuse to miss work. You don’t need to fake coughing sounds, be dramatic, or give too many details. However, one extra detail you can provide is to say you think you have food poisoning. This is one of the most legitimate and believable excuses to miss work, especially the day of your shift, since most people understand how serious and unexpected food poisoning can be. So if you need to miss work on short notice and don’t want to face pressure from your boss to come in, this is a good reason that’s almost guaranteed to get you out of work for one day. However, they’ll likely expect you to come in the next day, or at maximum, two days later. So this isn’t a good excuse to use if you’ll need to be missing work for more than two days, but it’s a good reason to miss work for a day.

5. You have a migraine

A migraine is another good excuse for missing a full day of work with only a small chance you’ll be questioned about it, since most managers know how severe migraines can be. And unlike making up another medical issue or saying you have a doctor’s appointment, you won’t have to tell your boss an elaborate story or follow up with lies upon your return to the office. Migraines usually go away eventually, with or without treatment, so you can simply go into work the next day and say, “I’m feeling much better, thank you,” if anyone asks. For the reasons above, a migraine is a good excuse to miss work, especially on short notice. If your boss questions or doubts you at all, just say that you can barely look into the light and that you’re lying down in the dark right now as you make this phone call. If you can barely get up or look at light, employers will know you can’t perform your job. So they’ll likely accept this excuse and simply tell you to return to work as soon as possible.

6. You need to care for a sick pet

Pets also make good reasons to miss work, but this isn’t an excuse you should use regularly. Still, if used only once, it can make a good reason for missing work. To use this excuse, simply let your employer know that your pet isn’t feeling well and that you’re going to need to go to an emergency vet appointment or stay with them while you give them medication.

7. You have a last-minute dentist or doctor’s appointment

Next on our list of excuses to miss work is the doctor or dentist visit. While these reasons will get you out of work on short notice, they might leave your boss asking why you didn’t tell them sooner, and possibly asking for a doctor’s note or other proof of appointment. This depends on your specific employer. Still, the emergency dental or medical issue does come up, and sometimes you notice something that you’re anxious about and want to get checked as soon as possible. So you should be fine saying:

“There’s something I want to get looked at urgently and my doctor/dentist had a last-minute cancellation and offered me an appointment today.”

I’ve had employers in the past where I knew they trusted me completely, and this would be an easy way to get out of work, just like all of the excuses above. However, if you have a less trusting employer and you think they’d ask follow-up questions, then you may be better off using other excuses to call out of work instead of this one.

8. You’re having car trouble

If you rely on your car to get to work, you can say that you’re having car trouble and are waiting for someone to come look at it. However, you may face follow-up questions like, “Can you take a bus? We really need you here today.” This is best if there’s no other way for you to get into the workplace, and if you only need to miss work for one day. After a day, your boss may start pressuring you about finding alternative transportation. Of course, if you have an easy-going boss and a job that can be done from home, they may let you work from home the whole week while your car is getting fixed. It all depends on your boss and specific job, so you’ll need to use your best judgement when deciding whether to use this excuse or another when you call out of work.

9. You have a household problem

You can also say that there’s a house-related issue that requires you to remain home. For example, you could say that you have a leaky water pipe and you need to stay on-hand until the repair person finishes. Or you could say you’re expecting an important delivery and the delivery company said you need to sign for the package in-person today. These are all good reasons why you can’t go to work without you having to bring up health or other personal excuses. So if you’re more comfortable with this route, it’s another acceptable excuse to get out of working. However, one thing to keep in mind here: Your manager may ask you to explain why you didn’t tell them sooner about this. You could say that you let them know as soon as you found out, but just think about if that’s realistic before using this reason to stay home.

10. You have Military Obligations

Serving in the U.S. military is prestigious, even for those in the reserve forces. Employers know that military obligations aren’t simply applicable to active service members and that even those in the reserves, or army veterans, could be called in for duties, such as drilling weekends. This is considered one of the most acceptable reasons to take a day off. In fact, there are even laws in place to deal with this kind of absence.

So in case you need the day off due to these obligations, consider sending in this message:

“I’m sorry I will not be able to make it to work today. I am in the military reserves and have been called in to take part in a drill on short notice. I apologize for the inconvenience, but I hope you understand that I cannot refuse.”

11. You Have a Religious Holiday/Event

Most organizations list diversity as a priority. So if your employers don’t recognize your particular religious holiday, don’t shy away from bringing it up. Your employers will understand. And if they don’t, they’re probably bound by HR policies to respect and accommodate a person’s religious beliefs.

When asking for the day off, try wording it like this:

“Tomorrow is a big day for followers of my religion. To celebrate, there is an event that I’ve just been told I must attend. I know this is very short notice, but I hope you appreciate that my presence is important for my family and me.”

12. You Have House Maintenance Issues

While some house maintenance work, such as cleaning behind the wardrobe, can be left for the weekend, unexpected issues, such as a sudden gas leak or a pipe burst, require more immediate attention. No employer would want to risk putting you or your family in danger by demanding you come in.

An acceptable excuse would sound something like this:

“I can’t make it to work today because I’ve been dealing with a mini-calamity at home. A pipe just burst, flooding half my living room. I’m sorry for the inconvenience, but I should stay in today and ensure it’s fixed soon.”

Can You Say You’re Feeling Tired as an Excuse to Miss Work?

While more and more companies are accepting the idea of a mental health day without a specific reason or emergency, this excuse is best if requested one or two days in advance. General tiredness isn’t one of the best reasons for missing work on the day of your shift, since it’ll leave your boss wondering why you didn’t plan ahead and communicate better. I’ve had horrible jobs myself, and I understand having a feeling of panic in the morning when you’re simply overwhelmed and want to call out. However, I recommend using one of the excuses above if you’re going to call out of work last minute. It’s better to take a sick day than a mental health day if giving short notice. Save the personal day or mental health day for when you’re able to request it at least one or two days in advance.

Is it a Bad Sign When You Make Excuses to Miss Work?

Everyone misses work from time to time and it’s not necessarily a bad sign that you need to take an unexpected day off. However, if you fail to inform your employer early enough and cause difficulties such as scheduling issues, then it could leave your boss upset. You shouldn’t feel bad about telling your employer you need a day off with any of the reasons above, but give them as much notice as possible and don’t call out as a common occurrence.

Can You Get Fired for Calling in Sick?

In many states, work is considered to be done “at-will,” which means an employer can technically fire you for calling in sick. Each state provides different rights to employees, though. No matter where you live, it’s unlikely that an employer will fire you for taking one sick day or calling out of work occasionally.

Bad Excuses and Mistakes: What Not to Say When You Call in Sick

If you read everything above, you now have multiple good excuses to miss work. To wrap up, here are a couple of mistakes to avoid and bad reasons for calling out of work. First, you never want to say anything that suggests you failed to plan ahead or that you didn’t let them know promptly. Don’t give a reason that sounds like it’s something you would have known about days before. Always think to yourself about how the excuse sounds before you call in on short notice. Ask yourself, “Does this sound realistic that I’d only be finding out at the last minute?” If not, pick a different excuse to stay home.

The other big mistake to avoid is overexplaining. You don’t need to share every detail when you explain why you can’t come into your job for one day. If you say you have a sick child, you don’t need to share every symptom as proof that they’re not feeling well. If you’re going to say that you’re sick, you don’t need to try to cough on the phone or sound miserable. Just be clear and direct, give the general excuse/reason that you’re going to use to miss work, and then stop talking and see how your boss responds. When you call out of work, it’s often better to say less. Chose one of the reasons from the list above to call out, explain it briefly, and then just stop. Even the best excuses can be ruined by talking too much or continuing to “sell” your story after your boss is probably already okay with it. So stop talking and let them respond once you’ve explained the basics.

Being Hungover

An employer isn’t going to sympathize with you if you tell them that you have a splitting headache because you had an extra few drinks the night before. Let’s face it: You knew you had work the following day and decided to go out anyway. Maybe, in this case, it’s better just to call in sick or pop a pill and hope for the best.

Bad Planning

Poor planning is not a quality any boss wants to see in their employee. Of course, some emergencies are understandable, but reasons like missing the bus or forgetting to set the alarm aren’t likely to go down well, especially when it happens too often.

Forgot You Had A Shift

Everyone makes mistakes. But forgetting that you had to go to work or had a shift to attend points, once again, to bad planning. Your best bet, in this case, would be to come up with another excuse or apologize profusely.

Work Conflicts

Conflicts with coworkers can be hard to deal with. But your employer will likely have little patience for you missing work over an interpersonal conflict. Talking things through with your employer or coworker might be a better solution.

Conclusion: Valid Excuses to Miss Work

We all need to get out of work at the last minute sometimes. If you use one of the excuses above and tell your manager briefly and directly that you’re not going to be able to come into work that day, you’ll give yourself the best chance at getting the day off without any suspicion or consequences. To make the process go smoother, call or email your employer as soon as possible. Don’t wait until the last minute if you can help it. And remember to be ready for any follow-up questions when you return to work and see your manager. A follow-up question or two doesn’t mean that your boss is suspicious; it simply means they care enough to check that your situation is better now.

About the Author

IMAGES

This Kid's Perfect Missing Homework Excuse Will Make You Say 'Same'
12 best excuses for missing your homework- MyAssignmentHelp.net
9 Best Excuses for Not Doing Homework [Guaranteed Work]
20 Good Excuses for Missing Homework
Best Homework Excuses
12 best excuses for missing your homework- MyAssignmentHelp.net

COMMENTS

51 Best Homework Excuses (Serious, Funny, Strict Teachers)
Blame the Parents. 41. My parents don't believe in homework and won't let me do it. There are some parents like this. If a student said this to me, I'd be on the phone to the parents. So, if you don't want your teacher to call your parents, don't use this excuse. 42. My mother said band practice was more important.
50 Best Excuses for Missing your Homework
29. "My maid packed food in it for a homeless guy". Make sure to state right in the beginning that your maid can't read. 'Sharing is caring' can indeed help you out and be a good excuse for skipping homework. 30. "Pen got no ink in the middle of work".
49 Best Excuses For Not Doing Homework • Better Responses
3. "We have surprised guest visitors and they stay the whole day.". 4. "Because I didn't know where to start, I'm unable to complete the homework.". 5. "There's some fixing work going on at my home, especially in my room.". 6. "I was about to do homework, but I don't understand a thing.". 7.
How to Make Up a Good Excuse for Your Homework Not Being Finished
2. Keep things short and to the point. The briefer your excuse, the easier it will be to remember. When making up an excuse for a teacher, keep your story short. Going into excessive detail can seem suspicious and you'll also be more likely to accidentally change aspects of your story.
3 Ways to Excuse Yourself from Unfinished Homework
3. Ask a parent to write an excuse for you. A dangerous move, you can forge a note from a parent explaining why you couldn't do your homework. If you decide to forge one, be warned that your teacher might know it's a fake. If you are caught, you face punishment from both your parents and teacher. Method 3.
14 Hilarious Homework Excuses
August 21, 2015. If you're an educator, you've undoubtedly heard your fair share of excuses from students who don't have their assigned homework with them, which can range from plausible to hilariously absurd. We've compiled some of the best homework excuses that educators in our Facebook community have heard during their time in the wacky ...
11 Excuses for Not Doing Homework (And How to Stop Making Them)
Excuse #1: You lack the required knowledge. Let your parents and teacher know if you're taking a class and feel as if you lack the necessary skills or knowledge to complete the homework. Ask your teacher for extra guidance so you don't fall too far behind. See if your parents can find the time to help you, or you can look for a tutor.
12 of the Funniest Excuses for Not Doing Your Homework
4. " I didn't do my homework because I figured I'd do it tomorrow, because I'll be older, and therefore be wiser, then.". 5. " Yesterday, I didn't have time to complete the homework because I was at the rally all day. The rally was calling for an increase to teacher pay, so I had to be there.". 6.
7 Homework Excuses That Work
7 Homework Excuses That Work. At some point in our academic journeys, we've all faced the challenge of not having our homework ready for submission. While it's crucial to adhere to deadlines and maintain consistency in our academic responsibilities, there are moments when life throws a curveball that interferes with our best-laid plans.
15 Best Excuses for Missing Homework
Here are some of the best excuses for missing homework that works really well: Contents. 1 Excuses for Missing Homework. 1.1 My computer crashed and I did not have a backup. 1.2 My mom and dad got into a huge fight. 1.3 My dog died. 1.4 Homework overload. 1.5 My little brother got sick.
The 10 Most Common Homework Excuses Teacher's Receive (And How to Come
Even if you did forget your homework, come up with something more creative than this. Here's a little trick: "I forgot my homework, but my mom said she'll bring it in during lunch/after school.". This will buy you a few hours. Do the assignment during lunch and bring it in after school. My printer doesn't work: Come on!
Best Homework Excuses in 2023
5 Good Excuses For Missing Homework That Work. The best excuses for missing homework are those that convince your tutor or instructor without leaving a trail of question marks behind. To come up with such, you have to develop practical critical thinking skills and engage creativity. From some of the best homework excuses available, here are the ...
15 Good Excuses For Not Doing Homework
Nonetheless, this excuse might not function every time as it is simple to catch out such fabricated excuses. 15. Communicate the truth. However much good these excuses sound, the best thing is, to tell the truth. Tell that truth that you were cought up with work, but you are willing to submit it within time.
9 Excuses To Get Out of Class (That Actually Work)
Look cute while finding good excuses for missing class. Your dog didn't eat your homework. Keep reading for better excuses for missing an assignment. Written by Amanda DeLuise, junior, journalism, New York University. It's 4 a.m., your paper is due at 5 p.m. and a blank Word document illuminates the screen of your laptop.
15 Hilarious Homework Excuses
12. I left my homework on your desk before you came but it's just not here. I had handwritten it, took me ages!". Somebody must have stolen it. *Clueless face*. 13. I left my homework on the table and my angry dog got hold of it. Rest is history. Angry dogs are dangerous, I tell you.
28 Good Excuses to Miss School to Tell Parents or Teachers
Tell your parents you're really stressed and need a break from it all to decompress! [6] "I've been really stressed lately and could use a day to catch up on sleep.". "I really haven't been feeling mentally okay the past few days and need a break.". "I'm burned out and don't want it to affect my schoolwork.".
Best Homework Excuses
Perhaps, you can no longer come up with the best excuses for not doing homework. In that case, the following tips will help you avoid giving excuses for missing class or not submitting homework on time. Set a schedule: In addition to being organized, setting a schedule can help you avoid making excuses for failing to submit homework. That's ...
7 Best Excuses for Missing Your Homework
DOWNLOAD AWESOMENESSTV SEASON 1- http://bit.ly/ZMXzoAHave you ever needed a really great excuse for not having your homework completed - we are here to help....
The Most Ridiculous Excuses For Unfinished Homework
15. A squirrel went and defecated on their homework. Westend61 / Getty Images. "Well, my math books were defecated on by squirrels. The teacher didn't even take them home; they came in the pivot ...
20 Believable Excuses to Miss Work on Short Notice
Some common and believable accidents include falls, sprained ankles, cuts, and knee injuries. If you have to see your boss soon, fake an injury that heals quickly or is non-visible (like a pulled muscle). Things involving stitches or casts might only work if you work remotely.
35 Believable Excuses to Miss Work on Short Notice
1. Illness. Illness is a common reason for missing work on short notice. The specific nature of the illness can range from a mild cold or flu to more serious conditions. Importantly, if you are unwell, it is often better to stay home to rest, recover, and avoid spreading any infectious illness to your coworkers.
excuse for missing homework Crossword Clue
Answers for excuse for missing homework crossword clue, 11 letters. Search for crossword clues found in the Daily Celebrity, NY Times, Daily Mirror, Telegraph and major publications. Find clues for excuse for missing homework or most any crossword answer or clues for crossword answers.
12 Best Excuses to Miss Work (Last Minute/Short Notice)
Otherwise, this is a good, reliable excuse that you can tell your boss to miss work, even on short notice. 4. You have food poisoning. Usually, you don't want to be too specific when saying you're sick as an excuse to miss work. You don't need to fake coughing sounds, be dramatic, or give too many details.

51 Best Homework Excuses (Serious, Funny, Strict Teachers)

Cliché Homework Excuses

Funny Homework Excuses

Excuses For Strict Teachers

Truthful Homework Excuses

Blame the Parents

Blame the Teachers

FAQ: How to Get Out of Doing Homework?

Leave a Comment Cancel Reply

50 Best Excuses for Missing your Homework

1. “I was ill for days!”

2. “My cat scratched the papers and tore it off!”

3. “I was busy volunteering for a social event”

4. “Did not the homework was to be submitted today”

5. “Parents’ anniversary yesterday”

6. “Fall sick when asked about homework”

7. “Lost it while house cleaning”

8. “Vacuum cleaner ate it up”

9. “Mom gave a punishment for fighting”

10. “Slipped out of my bag while I was crossing the bridge”

11. “I did all of the work, but my computer crashed”

12. “Baby sister pooped on it”

13. “Got a lift while coming and forgot assignment in it”

14. “Dog peed on it”

15. “Had an alien visiting our block last night”

16. “Ran out of toilet paper”

17. “Someone pulled it out of my bag”

18. “Dad took it to work accidentally”

19. “I was hypnotized”

20. “Butler tossed it into the bin”

21. “Gone into paper shredder”

22. “I felt my room was haunted”

23. “Grandmother posted it away”

24. “Burnt it to make some light”

25. “I forgot to bring my notebook”

26. “I was helping mom to host the guests last night”

27. “There was a power cut at our house the entire night”

28. “I gave it for copying but did not get it back!”

29. “My maid packed food in it for a homeless guy”

30. “Pen got no ink in the middle of work”

31. “I got robbed on the way to school!”

32. “My little brother made a boat and sailed it!”

33. “Tore it off because all my answers were wrong”

34. “Kept it near the window and it blew away!”

35. “I just showed it to you!”

36. “Sister scribbled on it, so I had to erase it which took the entire night”

37. “Did not know about submitting it today”

38. “Shifting house, thus misplaced it”

39. “Drunk friend puked on my homework!”

40. “Could not understand the concept”

41. “I was absent on that day homework was given”

42. “Forgot to save my work”

43. “Neighbors were disturbing, thus I could not focus”

44. “Was busy doing other subject’s homework”

45. “Was busy in a police investigation in the vicinity”

46. “Work got stuck due to printing error”

47. “Had a fight with brother and he tore off my hard work!”

48. “Had a bad toothache”

49. “Was grounded to my bedroom and homework was kept in the study”

50. “I confess…”

Well, keep a thing in mind that the more bring such excuses into use, the lesser teachers will believe in you. do not make a regular habit of skipping homework. Make use of the above suggested fun excuses when it is actually required.

49 Best Excuses For Not Doing Homework

Good Excuses For Not Doing Homework

Funny Reasons For Not Doing Homework

Believable Excuses For Not Doing Homework

Hi, there ! It’s nice to meet you.

You may also like...

14 Funny Answers To “What Do You Say?”

19 Funny Comebacks For Bald Jokes

18 Better Responses To “Yo” In Text Or Person

14 Hilarious Homework Excuses

Students' Best Excuses

11 Excuses for Not Doing Homework (And How to Stop Making Them)

Excuse #1: You lack the required knowledge

Excuse #2: You lack confidence

Excuse #3: Your home life is too hectic

Excuse #4: You don’t know where to start

Excuse #5: You have poor study habits

Excuse #6: School isn’t important to you

Excuse #7: You’re overloaded with after-school activities