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

This is not to say Costco shoppers are inattentive. — Donna Vickroy, Chicago Tribune, 29 May 2026

The bike path runs through the crosswalks, and disabled or slow-moving pedestrians, or those who are simply inattentive, will have to contend with riders zinging through at high speed. — Christopher Bonanos, Curbed, 30 Apr. 2026

Ardito said inattentive or distracted drivers are a serious hazard for cyclists trying to share the road, regardless of whether there are bike lanes. — Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 24 May 2026

That investigation led to a 2023 recall requiring software changes meant to better detect inattentive drivers and warn them. — Josh Max, Forbes.com, 4 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1692, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for inattentive

• disincentive
• agentive
• attentive
• incentive
• inventive
• preventive
• retentive

Kids Definition

inattentive

adjective

in·​at·​ten·​tive -ˈtent-iv 

: not attentive : not paying attention

the student was inattentive in class