Word
sidetracked
Phoneticsside·tracked, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈsaɪdˌtɹækt/
UK/sˈaɪdtɹækt/
Definition
adj. pulled away from what you were doing by something interesting or urgent. You use it when you lose focus and start doing something else.
adj. diverted from an intended task, discussion, or train of thought by an interruption or distraction. Typically used predicatively after 'be' or 'get'.
Examples
“I get sidetracked by my phone when I study.”
“She starts cleaning the kitchen but gets sidetracked sorting old photos for an hour.”
“Sidetracked by a minor email thread, the committee lost an hour before returning to the budget proposal.”
Examples
simple
“I get sidetracked by my phone when I study.”
contextual
“She starts cleaning the kitchen but gets sidetracked sorting old photos for an hour.”
complex
“Sidetracked by a minor email thread, the committee lost an hour before returning to the budget proposal.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “sidetracked” in context.
Verb
01. become sidetracked
“Don't become sidetracked; finish your homework first.”
verb + adj
02. feel sidetracked
“He felt sidetracked at work and could not concentrate.”
verb + adj
03. get sidetracked
“I got sidetracked watching videos instead of writing my essay.”
verb + adj
04. sidetracked by phone
“She was sidetracked by her phone and missed the deadline.”
adj + prep + noun
Adjective
05. completely sidetracked
“The class was completely sidetracked by the fire drill.”
adv + adj
06. constantly sidetracked
“She felt constantly sidetracked by messages during work.”
adv + adj
07. easily sidetracked
“I am easily sidetracked when I study with my phone nearby.”
adv + adj
08. be sidetracked into debate
“The council was sidetracked into a debate about parking.”
09. don't get sidetracked
“Don't get sidetracked — focus on your presentation.”
10. easily get sidetracked
“Students easily get sidetracked during online lessons.”
11. get sidetracked by phone
“I got sidetracked by my phone and forgot to cook dinner.”
12. get sidetracked from main task
“It is easy to get sidetracked from the main task in meetings.”
Real-World Examples
“Some individuals become sidetracked, dedicating their time to household chores like washing dishes, watering plants, or organizing their sock drawers.” Synonyms
Antonyms
Related words
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/sidetracked