distracted
Americanadjective
-
having the attention diverted.
She tossed several rocks to the far left and slipped past the distracted sentry.
-
rendered incapable of behaving, reacting, etc., in a normal manner, as by worry, remorse, or the like; irrational; disturbed.
adjective
-
bewildered; confused
-
mad
Other Word Forms
- distractedly adverb
- distractedness noun
- nondistracted adjective
- nondistractedly adverb
- undistracted adjective
- undistractedly adverb
- undistractedness noun
Etymology
Origin of distracted
Explanation
When you're distracted, something else has your attention, making you lose focus or become nervous. If a dog keeps barking or a car alarm won't stop going off, it's easy to become distracted: annoyed and not very focused on what you're trying to do. We also say people are distracted when they're worried about something. If you think you might lose your job, you'll be distracted by thinking about it. Knowing a family member has a disease can make you distracted with worries. When you're distracted, your mind is somewhere else.
Vocabulary lists containing distracted
"To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee, Chapters 16–19
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Because of Winn-Dixie
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
Out of the Dust
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
In white, Virgil van Dijk is distracted by Dembele's unusual position.
From BBC • Apr. 9, 2026
At a recent all-hands meeting, the company’s head of applications, Fidji Simo, urged, “We cannot miss this moment because we are distracted by side quests.”
From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 29, 2026
As long as Woodson isn’t distracted, Wise is fine with it.
From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 28, 2026
Maybe we need a 3D-animated remake of “Dr. Strangelove” to convince today’s distracted generations that nuclear bombs are not an aesthetic.
From Salon • Mar. 25, 2026
Regan said, sounding distracted as she squinted at the computer screen.
From "Glitch" by Laura Martin
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
