inattentive

adjective

in·​at·​ten·​tive ˌi-nə-ˈten-tiv How to pronounce inattentive (audio)
: not attentive : not paying attention
inattentively adverb
inattentiveness noun

Examples of inattentive in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Leap Year is primarily a showcase for high heels worn in improbable situations, like trudging through the muddy, hilly Irish countryside, where Adams gets waylaid en route to propose to her inattentive boyfriend (Adam Scott). Matthew Jacobs, Vulture, 6 Dec. 2024 The results, published this week in the Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, says that lead exposure from car exhaust during children’s early development has made generations of Americans more depressed, anxious, inattentive and hyperactive. Elizabeth Robinson, NBC News, 5 Dec. 2024 Advertisement Dobbs did all this without looking flustered by the pass rush or inattentive to the proper passing progression. Tim Kawakami, The Athletic, 19 Aug. 2024 As for Apple Intelligence, being inattentive to disability vis-a-vis accessibility to instead push a juicy, fatalistic narrative about Apple playing catchup isn’t happenstance either. Steven Aquino, Forbes, 28 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for inattentive 

Word History

First Known Use

1692, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of inattentive was in 1692

Dictionary Entries Near inattentive

Cite this Entry

“Inattentive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inattentive. Accessed 18 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

inattentive

adjective
in·​at·​ten·​tive -ˈtent-iv How to pronounce inattentive (audio)
: not attentive : not paying attention
the student was inattentive in class
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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