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
How prevalence is determined Clinicians diagnose ADHD based on symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity.
—
Carol Mathews, The Conversation, 15 Oct. 2025
The riot in western New York began Sept. 9, 1971, when prisoners — angered by prison officials' inattention to demands for better living conditions and rights — seized control of the penitentiary.
—Michael Collins, USA Today, 14 Oct. 2025
There may be benefits in addressing some symptoms, like inattention or emotional control, but not in impulsivity or other behaviors.
—Heather Jones, Verywell Health, 10 Oct. 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for inattention
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Carol Mathews, The Conversation, 15 Oct. 2025
The riot in western New York began Sept. 9, 1971, when prisoners — angered by prison officials' inattention to demands for better living conditions and rights — seized control of the penitentiary.
—Michael Collins, USA Today, 14 Oct. 2025
There may be benefits in addressing some symptoms, like inattention or emotional control, but not in impulsivity or other behaviors.
—Heather Jones, Verywell Health, 10 Oct. 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for inattention
Cite this Entry
“Inattention.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inattention. Accessed 26 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
inattention
noun
in·at·ten·tion
ˌin-ə-ˈten-chən
: failure to pay attention
inattentively
adverb
inattentiveness
noun
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share