What does the cryptic crossword clue "Absent-minded sergeant losing material on holiday (6)" mean?

The definition is "Absent-minded". The wordplay uses a deletion. VAC (synonym="holiday – dated schoolboy slang, I think") + ANT (synonym="ANT") = VACANT; definition: "Absent-minded" The answer is VACANT.

Absent-minded sergeant losing material on holiday (6)

Times Cryptic #28880 | 1 Across | 2024-04-02 flower

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