attention span

American  

noun

1. the interval during which an individual can concentrate, as on a single object, idea, or activity.

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Etymology

Origin of attention span

First recorded in 1930–35

Example Sentences

Chris Bailey is aware that we live in a distracted age, with shrinking attention spans and minds prone to wander.

From The Wall Street Journal

My attention span is so bad lately that it really is just me closing my eyes and composing emails that I’ll forget to send rather than attuning to some higher power.

From Los Angeles Times

Gone, too, are long reading passages that might strain TikTok attention spans.

From The Wall Street Journal

Naturally, the longer films grow more complex—and are clearly aimed at audiences with more substantial attention spans.

From The Wall Street Journal

Young fans stretched their attention spans, watching entire seasons of a show where episodes might range anywhere from an hour to two hours plus.

From Los Angeles Times