noun

absentmindedness

absent-mindedness, forgetfulness, inattentiveness

His absentmindedness caused him to forget his keys.

His absent-mindedness caused him to forget his keys.

absentmindedness the state of being forgetful or inattentive His absent-mindedness caused him to forget his keys.

Synonyms: distraction, forgetfulness; Antonyms: attentiveness, focus

A compound of 'absent' + 'minded' + '-ness' (a suffix forming nouns of state). The state of having one's mind 'absent'.

Picture someone's mind literally being 'absent' from their body, floating away. That's absent-mindedness.

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