inattentive

[ in-uh-ten-tiv ]

adjective

1. not attentive; negligent:

   Inattentive or careless driving is a serious issue, and cell phones clearly contribute to it.

   Synonyms: thoughtless, slipshod, slapdash, remiss, regardless, neglectful, irresponsible, careless

   Antonyms: mindful, thoughtful, careful

2. characterized by or exhibiting a lack of focus or concentration:

   Most children are occasionally inattentive, distractible, impulsive, or highly active.

   Synonyms: oblivious, faraway, dreamy, distracted, abstracted, absent-minded, absent, ditzy, unmindful, heedless, distrait, preoccupied

   Antonyms: mindful, thoughtful, careful

inattentive

/ ˌɪnəˈtɛntɪv /

adjective

1. not paying attention; heedless; negligent

Derived Forms

• ˌinatˈtention, noun
• ˌinatˈtentively, adverb

Other Words From

• in·at·ten·tive·ly adverb
• in·at·ten·tive·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of inattentive¹

First recorded in 1735–45; in- ³ + attentive

Example Sentences

The bank’s operational response was hopelessly inattentive.

From Los Angeles Times

Both conditions can make a child seem disorganized or inattentive; in the case of NVLD, it’s because they don’t understand the assignment being discussed.

From Los Angeles Times

Athletes and entertainers lose money because they’re inattentive, make risky investments and overspend on loved ones and expensive toys, financial experts say.

From Los Angeles Times

Athletes and entertainers lose money because they’re inattentive, make risky investments and overspend on loved ones and expensive toys, financial experts say.

From Los Angeles Times

Wealth management experts say athletes and entertainers who squander enormous sums fall into three interconnected buckets: They are naive about or inattentive to their finances; they make risky investments; they overspend on family, friends and expensive toys.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• apathetic
• bored
• careless
• distracted
• distraught
• indifferent
• oblivious