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distracted

adjective
dis·​tract·​ed | \ di-ˈstrak-tÉ™d How to pronounce distracted (audio) \

Definition of distracted

1 : having one's thoughts or attention drawn away : unable to concentrate or give attention to something a distracted driver … everyone else … is too distracted to see how lost and yearning she has become …— Richard Schickel … used to get so distracted by cellphone conversations overheard on the bus that she couldn't focus on reading.— Roni Caryn Rabin
2 : harassed, confused, or deranged especially by strong feelings a mind distracted by grief … putting that poor gentleman through a course of questions that nearly drove him distracted.— Louisa May Alcott
Other Words from distracted Synonyms & Antonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Learn More about distracted

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Other Words from distracted

distractedly adverb
distractedness noun

Choose the Right Synonym for distracted

abstracted, preoccupied, absent, absentminded, distracted mean inattentive to what claims or demands consideration. abstracted implies absorption of the mind in something other than one's surroundings, and often suggests reflection on weighty matters. walking about with an abstracted air preoccupied often implies having one's attention so taken up by thoughts as to neglect others. too preoccupied with her debts to enjoy the meal absent stresses inability to fix the mind on present concerns due more to mental wandering than to concentration on other matters. an absent stare absentminded implies that the mind is fixed elsewhere and often refers to a habit of abstractedness. so absentminded, he's been known to wear mismatched shoes distracted may suggest an inability to concentrate caused by worry, sorrow, or anxiety. was too distracted by grief to continue working

Examples of distracted in a Sentence

If you're feeling distracted, take a break. she's been distracted about her son ever since he left on that polar expedition

Recent Examples on the Web

 For those of us who like to get off the roads and away from distracted drivers, a paved trail is the way to go. — Lori Nickel, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Chin Up: Joy riding through Milwaukee on the Hank Aaron State Trail," 1 Sep. 2019 In 2017, more than 3,000 people were killed by distracted drivers in the U.S., according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. — NBC News, "When it comes to multitasking, women are no better than men," 14 Aug. 2019 Another 599 pedestrians and cyclists were killed by distracted drivers as well.2 Other than texting, common distractions include eating, adjusting controls on the dash or talking to other people in the car. — Rebecca Renner, USA TODAY, "These 5 annoying driver behaviors are more dangerous than you think," 8 Aug. 2019 Young people nowadays are more distracted than ever. — Georgia Frances King, Quartz, "Proof of a successful life isn’t fame—it’s getting something done," 22 Aug. 2019 The distracted group made the wrong choice (according to the researchers’ criteria for the best car) more often than those who were able to think without being distracted. — Laura Kutsch, Scientific American, "Can We Rely on Our Intuition?," 15 Aug. 2019 Metro Council members contend it's meant to limit distracted driving and improve safety for both motorists and pedestrians by clarifying rules around crossing main roads and approaching vehicles. — Darcy Costello, The Courier-Journal, "Intersection panhandling in jeopardy as Louisville ordinance clears hurdle," 31 July 2019 The game was sloppy, but the Rangers seemed more distracted than the Angels, committing four errors and issuing 11 walks. — Mike Digiovanna, latimes.com, "Angels return to the field but not to normalcy: ‘All I was thinking about was Tyler’," 2 July 2019 At one of these levels, individuals are trying to build the capacities and create the contexts to live a less distracted life. — Ezra Klein, Vox, "Is Big Tech addictive? A debate with Nir Eyal.," 7 Aug. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'distracted.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of distracted

1576, in the meaning defined at sense 2

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More Definitions for distracted

distracted

adjective
How to pronounce distracted (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of distracted

: unable to think about or pay attention to something : unable to concentrate

See the full definition for distracted in the English Language Learners Dictionary

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More from Merriam-Webster on distracted

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for distracted

Spanish Central: Translation of distracted

Nglish: Translation of distracted for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of distracted for Arabic Speakers

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