Etymology

absent-minded

Today it means: Absent in mind; often preoccupied; forgetful or careless due to distraction; easily distracted. Full definition →

First used First attested in the mid 19ᵗʰ century.
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The story

From absent mind + -ed, meaning “having an absent mind”.

First known use, by meaning

  • First attested in the mid 19ᵗʰ century. Absent in mind; often preoccupied; forgetful or careless due to distraction; easily distracted.

Etymology from Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.