attention span

American  

noun

• attention spans
  plural

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

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Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• attention spans
  plural

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Etymology

Origin of attention span

First recorded in 1930–35

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

attention span

Garret Martin, a foreign policy expert at American University, said Trump "famously has a short attention span."

From Barron's ● Aug. 25, 2026

A meager attention span is a big part of the problem.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 28, 2026

His limited attention span now pulls him elsewhere.

From Salon ● Jun. 19, 2026

The center found that preschool children struggle to learn as much from content with frequent cuts, though consuming it doesn’t impact their attention span negatively, Uhls said.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 12, 2026

“Maribel has a limited attention span and often fiddles with her pencil or other desk supplies during class time.”

From "The Book of Unknown Americans" by Cristina Henríquez

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