inattention

noun

in·​at·​ten·​tion ˌi-nə-ˈten(t)-shən 

: failure to pay attention

Examples of inattention in a Sentence

Many traffic accidents are the result of driver inattention.

They lost several potential clients through their inattention to detail.

Recent Examples on the Web

What's more, elevated copper and cadmium levels were linked to more severe inattention symptoms (something common in females with ADHD), and higher amounts of copper and antimony were associated with an increase in hyperactivity-impulsivity behaviors. —New Atlas, 23 June 2025

Thanks in part to Washington’s inattention on Biden’s watch, Kim embarked on a profound strategic reorientation toward Russia. —John Delury, Foreign Affairs, 3 June 2025

Voices Hiltzik: Trump and Vance are dead wrong — economists unanimously agree that U.S. tariffs are a tax on American consumers Sept. 4, 2024 Trump’s tariff orders betray the same inattention to detail. —Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 29 May 2025

Attention Binaural beats may help improve attention and be particularly useful for young people who experience inattention. —Brittany Dube, Health, 13 Aug. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1670, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for inattention

• circumvention
• contravention
• intervention
• abstention
• dissention
• distention
• intention
• subvention
• nonintervention

Kids Definition

inattention

noun

in·​at·​ten·​tion ˌin-ə-ˈten-chən 

: failure to pay attention

inattentively adverb

inattentiveness noun