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

Among the inattention indicators the system tracks are head nodding or tilting, yawning, change in eye blink rate, long eyelid closures (indicating something called microsleeps), and gaze drifting from the road for extended periods (what happens when people text and drive). —IEEE Spectrum, 6 Sep. 2025

It’s characterized by patterns of inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity. —Cara Lynn Shultz, PEOPLE, 4 Sep. 2025

Sometimes latency isn’t about inattention but about internal overwhelm. —Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2025

In 2021, Yesha Yadav, of Vanderbilt Law School, identified structural fragilities in the market, caused by simple cavalier inattention: Why bother scrutinizing the safest thing out there? —Mary Childs, Harpers Magazine, 16 July 2025

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