absent-minded — having or showing a habitually forgetful or inattentive disposition
Part of speech: ADJECTIVE
Definition: having or showing a habitually forgetful or inattentive disposition
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈæbsənt ˈmaɪndɪd/
Example Sentences
- My absent-minded grandfather once tried to unlock his car with the TV remote.
- The absent-minded scientist left his lunch in the freezer and his ice cream samples on the desk.
- Being absent-minded during important meetings can hurt your professional reputation.
absent-minded
ADJECTIVE[/ˈæbsənt ˈmaɪndɪd/]
having or showing a habitually forgetful or inattentive disposition

The absent-minded professor pours coffee into his hat instead of the mug.

Though absent-minded, when reminded, he never minded!
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
A compound English term combining 'absent' (from Latin absens, meaning 'not present') and 'minded' (from Old English gemynd, meaning 'memory' or 'attention'). The phrase emerged to describe a person whose mind or attention is not fully present in the current moment or situation.
Breakdown
absent (not present, from Latin abs- 'away' + esse 'to be') + minded (having or directing one's mind, from mind + -ed suffix forming adjectives). Together describing someone mentally preoccupied or inattentive to immediate surroundings.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“My absent-minded grandfather once tried to unlock his car with the TV remote.”
“The absent-minded scientist left his lunch in the freezer and his ice cream samples on the desk.”
“Being absent-minded during important meetings can hurt your professional reputation.”
“She's been quite absent-minded lately due to stress from work.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
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