Forgetful diarist confused time (8)
I believe the answer is:
distrait
'forgetful' is the definition.
Both the definition and answer are adjectives. Perhaps they are linked in a way I don't understand?
'diarist confused time' is the wordplay.
'confused' is an anagram indicator.
'time' becomes 't' (abbreviation).
'diarist' anagrammed gives 'distrai'.
'distrai'+'t'='DISTRAIT'
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for distrait that I've seen before include "Being one [SCATTY]" , "Unable to concentrate for anxiety - it is trad (anag)" , "Distraught in France" , "Preoccupied" , "Inattentive or absent-minded, from French" .)