Absentminded describes someone who forgets things or doesn't pay attention because their mind is focused elsewhere. An absentminded professor might walk into class wearing mismatched shoes because he was thinking about a fascinating math problem. Someone might be absentminded when they put the milk in the cupboard instead of the refrigerator while worrying about an important work project.

Being absentminded isn't about being careless or irresponsible. It usually happens when someone is deeply absorbed in their thoughts, often about something interesting or important to them. The inventor Thomas Edison was famously absentminded, once forgetting he had already eaten breakfast and sitting down to eat again. His mind was usually busy working on his next invention.

You might become absentminded yourself when excited about an upcoming birthday party or still thinking about an amazing book you just finished. In those moments, you might forget where you put your backpack or walk past your bus stop.