inattentive
adjective
in·at·ten·tive
ˌi-nə-ˈten-tiv 
: not attentive : not paying attention
inattentively
adverb
inattentiveness
noun
Examples of inattentive in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
An inattentive public might simply see a Washington melee—the disrupters against the bureaucrats.
—
George Packer, The Atlantic, 20 Feb. 2025
Minnesota State Patrol also responded to the crash and cited Ward at the scene for inattentive driving.
—Contributed Content, Twin Cities, 8 Feb. 2025
Careless is a lesser charge than reckless and typically applies to an operator who has been inattentive at the wheel.
—David Goodhue, Miami Herald, 13 Jan. 2025
After two inattentive supervisors leave a group of miners trapped underground following a methane explosion during a Valentine’s Day dance, one miner must cannibalize his deceased comrades to survive until he is freed from the shaft — a week later.
—Brooke Knisley, Vulture, 11 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for inattentive
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.
George Packer, The Atlantic, 20 Feb. 2025
Minnesota State Patrol also responded to the crash and cited Ward at the scene for inattentive driving.
—Contributed Content, Twin Cities, 8 Feb. 2025
Careless is a lesser charge than reckless and typically applies to an operator who has been inattentive at the wheel.
—David Goodhue, Miami Herald, 13 Jan. 2025
After two inattentive supervisors leave a group of miners trapped underground following a methane explosion during a Valentine’s Day dance, one miner must cannibalize his deceased comrades to survive until he is freed from the shaft — a week later.
—Brooke Knisley, Vulture, 11 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for inattentive
Cite this Entry
“Inattentive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inattentive. Accessed 3 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
inattentive
adjective
in·at·ten·tive
-ˈtent-iv
: not attentive : not paying attention
the student was inattentive in class
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share