sidetracked

American  

[sahyd-trakt] / ˈsaɪdˌtrækt /

adjective

1. distracted from the main subject, task, course, etc..

   Sorry for not replying sooner—I’m an easily sidetracked guy with poor time management.

2. (of a train) moved from the main track to a siding, where it stops temporarily.

   Rail officials agreed to move a sidetracked train after local residents complained of the noise, fumes, and vibrations.

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verb

1. the simple past tense and past participle of sidetrack.

Etymology

Origin of sidetracked

First recorded in 1880–85; sidetrack ( def. ) + -ed ² ( def. ) for the adjective senses; sidetrack ( def. ) + -ed ¹ ( def. ) for the verb sense

Example Sentences

A third said they migrated to the U.S. to further their education but got sidetracked as business opportunities arose, and 20% said they had hoped to achieve the American dream through work opportunities.

From Los Angeles Times

This, of course, means he can also get easily sidetracked, but it’s “one of the beauties of making music on your own.”

From Los Angeles Times

"My ambition was not to be a music photographer, my ambition was to be a war photographer - but I got a sidetracked in a great way," he says.

From BBC

“He had the ambition and the drive to do something great and not get sidetracked or settle for less,” says Campbell.

From Los Angeles Times

"I suppose you don't want to get overly emotional and make it too big a thing and get sidetracked from the main objective," Doris said of the legendary trio's home swansong.

From BBC

Related Words

• aground
• ashore
• grounded
• helpless
• wrecked