inattention
noun
in·at·ten·tion
ˌi-nə-ˈten(t)-shən 
: failure to pay attention
an accident caused by the driver's inattention
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
In sports, mind-wandering is often seen as negative because inattention at a crucial moment can lead to disaster.
—
Eric Zillmer, The Conversation, 18 June 2026
During a moment of inattention, an enormous wave of insane people rolled over us and buried us deep beneath them.
—Ian Frazier, New Yorker, 15 June 2026
The history of financial reporting failures — from the savings and loan crisis through Enron and WorldCom and the restatement wave that followed the dot-com collapse — unfolded after periods of exactly this kind of bull-market inattention.
—Shivaram Rajgopal, Forbes.com, 21 May 2026
Many involved inattention, inexperience or lack of preparation, issues that can be addressed before a boat ever leaves the dock.
—Chicago Tribune, 16 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for inattention
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Eric Zillmer, The Conversation, 18 June 2026
During a moment of inattention, an enormous wave of insane people rolled over us and buried us deep beneath them.
—Ian Frazier, New Yorker, 15 June 2026
The history of financial reporting failures — from the savings and loan crisis through Enron and WorldCom and the restatement wave that followed the dot-com collapse — unfolded after periods of exactly this kind of bull-market inattention.
—Shivaram Rajgopal, Forbes.com, 21 May 2026
Many involved inattention, inexperience or lack of preparation, issues that can be addressed before a boat ever leaves the dock.
—Chicago Tribune, 16 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for inattention
Cite this Entry
“Inattention.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inattention. Accessed 24 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
inattention
noun
in·at·ten·tion
ˌin-ə-ˈten-chən
: failure to pay attention
inattentively
adverb
inattentiveness
noun
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