inattentive

adjective

in·​at·​ten·​tive ˌi-nə-ˈten-tiv How to pronounce inattentive (audio)
: not attentive : not paying attention
inattentively adverb
inattentiveness noun

Examples of inattentive in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Over the years, Trong and his allies have promoted an image of the United States as evil and inattentive to Hanoi’s needs. David Brown, Foreign Affairs, 29 June 2015 An inattentive public might simply see a Washington melee—the disrupters against the bureaucrats. George Packer, The Atlantic, 20 Feb. 2025 Minnesota State Patrol also responded to the crash and cited Ward at the scene for inattentive driving. Contributed Content, Twin Cities, 8 Feb. 2025 Careless is a lesser charge than reckless and typically applies to an operator who has been inattentive at the wheel. David Goodhue, Miami Herald, 13 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for inattentive

Word History

First Known Use

1692, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of inattentive was in 1692

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Cite this Entry

“Inattentive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inattentive. Accessed 13 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

inattentive

adjective
in·​at·​ten·​tive -ˈtent-iv How to pronounce inattentive (audio)
: not attentive : not paying attention
the student was inattentive in class

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