Definition of inattention
: failure to pay attention
From the M-W Editors
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 of inattention from the Web
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NASA was one of those things — like the ocean — that was just present, exerting its influences on me despite my childish inattention to it.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'inattention'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Circa 1670
First Known Use of inattention
circa 1670
INATTENTION Defined for English Language Learners
inattention
playDefinition of inattention for English Language Learners
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: failure to carefully think about, listen to, or watch someone or something : lack of attention
INATTENTION Defined for Kids
inattention
playDefinition of inattention for Students
: failure to pay attention The accident resulted from the driver's inattention.
Learn More about inattention
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See words that rhyme with inattention Spanish Central: Translation of inattention Nglish: Translation of inattention for Spanish speakers
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