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
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
See All Example Sentences for inattention
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Carol Mathews, The Conversation, 15 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
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
See All Example Sentences for inattention
Cite this Entry
“Inattention.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inattention. Accessed 6 Nov. 2025.
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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