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

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

The filing also says the Dali was manned by "an incompetent crew that was inattentive to its duties" and "lacked proper training".

From BBC

“If once they become inattentive to the public affairs, you and I, and Congress, and Assemblies, judges and governors shall all become wolves,” President Thomas Jefferson said of the dangers of an uniformed electorate.

From Seattle Times

He was exonerated in each instance, except for one finding of inattentive driving.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

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