A reason or explanation put forward to defend or justify a fault or offense. He gave a weak excuse for being late to the meeting.
A reason or explanation given to avoid a responsibility or duty. She always has an excuse for not doing her homework.
A note or message explaining the absence of someone from a place or event. The teacher asked for a written excuse from the student's parents.
A poor or inadequate example of something. That was a pathetic excuse for a cake.