〜にかまけて

Expresses that the speaker (or someone) was so absorbed in one thing that other duties were neglected. The following clause is almost always negative: something was not done, was forgotten, or was left undone. Typical nouns are 仕事, 遊び, 子育て, 忙しさ. It usually carries self-criticism or blame, so avoid it for praiseworthy absorption; 〜に夢中になって is neutral by comparison.

• 仕事にかまけて、家族との時間を作らなかった。

  しごとにかまけて、かぞくとのじかんをつくらなかった。

  I was caught up in work and never made time for my family.

• 遊びにかまけて勉強をおろそかにしてはいけない。

  あそびにかまけてべんきょうをおろそかにしてはいけない。

  You mustn't get absorbed in having fun and neglect your studies.

• 日々の忙しさにかまけて、恩師への連絡をすっかり忘れていた。

  ひびのいそがしさにかまけて、おんしへのれんらくをすっかりわすれていた。

  Preoccupied with daily busyness, I completely forgot to contact my old teacher.