privateexcuse
nounUK /ˈpraɪvət ɪkˈskjuːz/
US /ˈpraɪvət ɪkˈskjuːz/
A private excuse is a reason you keep secret so only you know it.
She gave a private excuse for missing the party and never told anyone why.
RELATED WORDS
OTHER MEANINGS
2. A reason kept hidden to avoid hurting someone's feelings.
He used a private excuse to skip the dinner without saying he disliked the food.
3. An official note that stays confidential between two people.
The manager filed a private excuse for the employee's sudden absence.
4. A personal justification you do not share publicly.
Her private excuse for quitting was stress, but she told everyone she wanted a change.