abstracted, preoccupied, absent, absentminded, distracted mean inattentive to what claims or demands consideration. abstracted implies absorption of the mind in something other than one's surroundings, and often suggests reflection on weighty matters.
// walking about with an abstracted air preoccupied often implies having one's attention so taken up by thoughts as to neglect others.
// too preoccupied with her debts to enjoy the meal absent stresses inability to fix the mind on present concerns due more to mental wandering than to concentration on other matters.
// an absent stare absentminded implies that the mind is fixed elsewhere and often refers to a habit of abstractedness.
// so absentminded, he's been known to wear mismatched shoes distracted may suggest an inability to concentrate caused by worry, sorrow, or anxiety.
// was too distracted by grief to continue working