attentiveness

American  

[uh-ten-tiv-nis] / əˈtɛn tɪv nɪs /

noun

1. the ability and inclination to pay attention, as to a speaker, a task, information, events, etc..

   Candidates must demonstrate a high degree of clerical accuracy and attentiveness to detail.

2. the quality of being considerate of others and their needs; thoughtfulness; courtesy.

   Her exceptional care and attentiveness toward her patients is renowned.

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Other Word Forms

• overattentiveness
  noun
• unattentiveness
  noun

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Etymology

Origin of attentiveness

First recorded in 1545–55; attentive ( def. ) + -ness ( def. )

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

attentiveness

According to the hotel's website, guests are allocated a sunbed upon check-in and allowed to request their "preferred spot" for the duration of their holiday which is decided "with fairness and attentiveness".

From BBC ● May 10, 2026

To be sure, I was ready to take over, as required, but to be fair, my attentiveness waned occasionally.

From Barron's ● May 3, 2026

You sense this in his work ethic and what it produces, an intimacy of form that implies an almost ritualistic attentiveness to the world around him on its own terms.

From Los Angeles Times ● Mar. 4, 2026

It requires, Morrell explains, “openness toward others, reciprocity, tolerance, mutual respect, inclusion, attentiveness, cooperation and fairness.”

From Slate ● Jan. 2, 2026

Children and lovers have no singularity here, but my aunt used a secret voice, a separate attentiveness.

From "The Woman Warrior" by Maxine Hong Kingston

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