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

Etymology

Origin of attentiveness

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

Example Sentences

Once you’ve filled out your W-4 and feigned attentiveness during HR trainings, your new boss will start emailing you with tasks.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 14, 2026

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

The charming smile that accompanies the statement catches Celia off guard, as she has rarely seen anything but varying degrees of reserved attentiveness or occasional nervousness on his countenance.

From "The Night Circus" by Erin Morgenstern