Synonyms of inattention

inattention

noun

as in negligence

failure to carefully think about, listen to, or watch someone or something

Many traffic accidents are the result of driver inattention.

They lost several potential clients through their inattention to detail.

Related Words

• negligence
• inattentiveness
• forgetfulness
• omission
• carelessness
• neglect
• inadvertence
• neglectfulness
• inadvertency
• shortsightedness
• heedlessness
• obliviousness
• laxness
• misconduct
• recklessness
• remissness
• slackness
• foolhardiness
• wildness
• rashness
• unwariness
• irresponsibility
• malfeasance
• dereliction
• malpractice
• incaution
• incautiousness
• mismanagement
• delinquency
• misdirection
• mishandling
• irresponsibleness

Dissimilar Words

• attention
• awareness
• attentiveness
• alertness
• vigilance
• watchfulness
• responsibility
• circumspection
• observance
• care
• carefulness
• caution
• responsibleness
• cautiousness
• heedfulness

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of inattention

To be sure, Bernanke cleaned up the 2008 financial crisis that Greenspan — through his inattention to the negative implications of financial deregulation — helped cause. — Peter Cohan, Forbes.com, 23 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

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

Voter inattention to the issue has contributed to frequent presidential overreach in flexing the muscles of the commander in chief. — James Cramer, Baltimore Sun, 11 May 2026