unfocused

adjective

un·​fo·​cused ˌən-ˈfō-kəst 

variants or less commonly unfocussed

1

: not adjusted to a focus

2

: not concentrated on one point or objective

unfocused rage

Examples of unfocused in a Sentence

an unfocused approach to studying

Your essay seems unfocused and unclear.

She has lots of unfocused energy.

Recent Examples on the Web

Echo Theater Company’s ambitious production brings lively design and a volatile cast to the stage, but an unfocused script and feverish direction overwhelm the story. — Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 23 Sep. 2026

The Giants have played sloppy and unfocused baseball for most of the season. — Andrew Baggarly, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2026

The studio removed the horror elements from the movie—in which Mulder and Scully are pulled out of retirement to consult on a case involving a missing agent—leaving it unfocused and unsatisfying. — K. Thor Jensen, PC Magazine, 14 Aug. 2026

Former staffers said the focus on winning attention led Hilton to be unfocused, chasing projects based on the potential for clicks and coverage rather than business value. — Ben Paviour, Sacbee.com, 10 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1859, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Rhymes for unfocused

• focused
• focussed
• locust
• refocused