Learn everything about sabbatical leave: its meaning , how it works, and how it can benefit job seekers looking for career breaks or personal development. Guide to Sabbatical and its meaning . We explain its reasons, comparison it with leave of absence and hiatus, and how to apply for it. Sabbatical has now become a general term, used for either paid or unpaid leave given as a benefit to employees by their company. Sabbatical Defined: The Modern Rise of Sabbaticals The modern sabbatical definition is a period of paid or unpaid time off that offers you the chance to return to your job role or a close equivalent at the end of it. What is Sabbatical Leave? A sabbatical leave is an extended break from work granted by an employer for the purpose of personal or professional development.