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
There’s a fine line between obtrusive service, with servers buzzing like flies around the table, and inattentive service.
—
Rachel Bernhard, jsonline.com, 22 Oct. 2025
Consider children who have five inattentive symptoms and five hyperactive-impulsive symptoms.
—Carol Mathews, The Conversation, 15 Oct. 2025
Tips for riders Be prepared for inattentive drivers by staying focused on riding and keeping your speed in check.
—Mars King, Twin Cities, 19 Sep. 2025
The remark was striking in its directness and suggested the pilot may have been inattentive at a critical moment.
—Heather Hunter, The Washington Examiner, 18 Sep. 2025
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Rachel Bernhard, jsonline.com, 22 Oct. 2025
Consider children who have five inattentive symptoms and five hyperactive-impulsive symptoms.
—Carol Mathews, The Conversation, 15 Oct. 2025
Tips for riders Be prepared for inattentive drivers by staying focused on riding and keeping your speed in check.
—Mars King, Twin Cities, 19 Sep. 2025
The remark was striking in its directness and suggested the pilot may have been inattentive at a critical moment.
—Heather Hunter, The Washington Examiner, 18 Sep. 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 31 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
inattentive
adjective
in·at·ten·tive
-ˈtent-iv
: not attentive : not paying attention
the student was inattentive in class
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