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.
The inconsistency at Adelina extends to its service, with a waitstaff that is generally kind, friendly and accommodating, yet simultaneously inattentive and minimally familiar with the restaurant’s concise menu. Lyndsay C. Green, Detroit Free Press, 2 June 2024 President Bill Clinton was relatively inattentive to Asia at the beginning of his administration but later revitalized the U.S.-Japanese alliance and stabilized U.S.-Chinese ties, notably by negotiating China’s accession to the World Trade Organization. Michael J. Green, Foreign Affairs, 31 Jan. 2022 Randle's bully ball and inattentive defense are mucking everything up. Jon Krawczynski, The Athletic, 7 Jan. 2025 Lead Exposure In Children Caused Millions Of US Psychiatric Cases And Must End By Sean Duke Science Editor 0 The co-author of a new landmark study that says lead exposure caused 151 million Americans to become depressed, anxious, inattentive or hyperactive has called for it to be banned. Mark R. Weaver, Newsweek, 4 Dec. 2024 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

Dictionary Entries Near inattentive

Cite this Entry

“Inattentive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inattentive. Accessed 26 Jan. 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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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