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.
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Recent Examples of inattention
In both races a clear mandate was delivered, despite each facing vocal opponents who challenged them on every failure and political miscalculation, from stances on antisemitism to their inattention to housing, public safety and child care.
—
Sara Forman, New York Daily News, 8 July 2025
Stay vigilant Nearly a quarter of all reported boating accidents last year were caused by operator inattention or improper lookout.
—Katie Nixon, The Tennessean, 2 July 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, 23 June 2025
The dye has been linked to behavioral problems in children, including inattention and hyperactivity.
—Brittney Melton, NPR, 16 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for inattention
Sara Forman, New York Daily News, 8 July 2025
Stay vigilant Nearly a quarter of all reported boating accidents last year were caused by operator inattention or improper lookout.
—Katie Nixon, The Tennessean, 2 July 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, 23 June 2025
The dye has been linked to behavioral problems in children, including inattention and hyperactivity.
—Brittney Melton, NPR, 16 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for inattention
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inattention
Noun
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Rachel Crafton, whose husband Casey was on the passenger plane, filed the suit alleging wrongful death and negligence.—
Alexandra Skores,
CNN Money,
24 Sep. 2025
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Now 28, tretinoin has reversed the effects of my earlier negligence.—
Essence,
Essence,
24 Sep. 2025
Noun
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At other times, the result can be both immediate and devastating, as seen in many traffic accidents caused by impatience, inattentiveness, or rashness.—
Mary Crossan,
Forbes.com,
16 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Inattention.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inattention. Accessed 1 Oct. 2025.
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