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.
Lead Exposure In Children Caused Millions Of US Psychiatric Cases And Must End By Sean Duke Science Editor 0 The co-author of a new landmark study that says lead exposure caused 151 million Americans to become depressed, anxious, inattentive or hyperactive has called for it to be banned. Mark R. Weaver, Newsweek, 4 Dec. 2024 Meanwhile, my dad — the lone male in a household full of women — occasionally earned himself gentle scolding for being too loud or inattentive during important conversations. Julianna Bragg, CNN, 3 Dec. 2024 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 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 30 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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