Absentminded - Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

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SKIP TO CONTENT absentminded /ˈæbsəntˈmaɪndɪ˗d/ /æbsɪntˈmaɪndɪd/ IPA guide

If you always forget where you put your glasses or your car keys, you can describe yourself as absentminded. An absentminded person is forgetful and often dreamy.

If you move through your days lost in thought, or daydreaming, you are probably at least a little bit absentminded. Being absentminded means you have a lack of focus or attention, and you forget small details like the fact that your reading glasses are on top of your head. The stereotype of the "absentminded professor" is a very smart, perpetually forgetful character who's oblivious to what's around him.

Definitions of absentminded

adjective lost in thought; showing preoccupation “an absentminded professor” synonyms: absent, abstracted, scatty inattentive showing a lack of attention or care

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Copy citation DISCLAIMER: These example sentences appear in various news sources and books to reflect the usage of the word ‘absentminded'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Vocabulary.com or its editors. Send us feedback Word Family

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