Absentmindedness: meaning, definitions and examples

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absentmindedness

[ ˌæbsəntˈmaɪndɪdnəs ]

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lack of attention

Absentmindedness refers to the state of being forgetful or preoccupied, often resulting in a lack of attention to one's surroundings or tasks. It is characterized by a tendency to forget things, lose focus easily, and have difficulty concentrating.

Synonyms

distraction, forgetfulness, inattentiveness

Examples of usage

He often walks into a room and forgets why he went there, a classic sign of absentmindedness.
She misplaced her keys for the third time this week due to her absentmindedness.
His absentmindedness caused him to miss important deadlines at work.
The professor's absentmindedness was evident when he forgot to bring his lecture notes to class.
Her absentmindedness often led to misunderstandings with her friends and family.

Translations

Translations of the word "absentmindedness" in other languages:

🇵🇹 distração

🇮🇳 ध्यान न देना

🇩🇪 Geistesabwesenheit

🇮🇩 kelalaian

🇺🇦 неуважність

🇵🇱 roztargnienie

🇯🇵 うわの空

🇫🇷 distraction

🇪🇸 despiste

🇹🇷 dalgınlık

🇰🇷 멍함

🇸🇦 شرود

🇨🇿 nepozornost

🇸🇰 roztržitosť

🇨🇳 心不在焉

🇸🇮 nepozornost

🇮🇸 geðleysi

🇰🇿 алаңғасарлық

🇬🇪 უყურადღებობა

🇦🇿 dərindən düşünməmək

🇲🇽 despiste

Word origin

The term 'absentmindedness' originated in the early 19th century, combining 'absent' (meaning 'not paying attention' or 'lost in thought') and 'mindedness' (referring to the state of mind or mental awareness). The concept of absentmindedness has been a common theme in literature and psychology, often associated with creative individuals or intellectuals who are so absorbed in their thoughts that they neglect practical matters.