Noun + にかまけて

[Being preoccupied with; neglecting other things due to]

Connection: Noun + にかまけて

Usage: Expresses that someone is so absorbed in or preoccupied with one thing that they neglect something else that should also be attended to. Always carries a negative, critical connotation.

Nuance: Implies the speaker disapproves of the priorities — the person is focusing on the wrong thing.

Examples:

仕事にかまけて、家族との時間を全く取らなかった。(Being preoccupied with work, I didn't make any time for my family at all.)

遊びにかまけて、宿題を忘れてしまった。(Being absorbed in playing, I forgot my homework.)

日常業務にかまけて、重要な改革が進んでいない。(Being preoccupied with daily operations, important reforms are not progressing.)