inattention

[in-uh-ten-shuhn]

noun

1. lack of attention; negligence.

2. an act of neglect.

Word History and Origins

Origin of inattention¹

First recorded in 1700–10; in- ³ + attention

Example Sentences

Synthetic dyes are often added to make foods look more appealing, especially products aimed at children, but a growing body of evidence indicates they may contribute to behavioral problems such as hyperactivity and inattention.¹

Read more on Science Daily

Buddy wanted to go out that night, but my father, snapping out of his inattention, said it was out of the question.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Drake, a rapper with a white Jewish mother and a Black father, has himself been criticized for his relative silence on the Israel-Palestine conflict, and inattention to Black concerns more generally.

Read more on Salon

A 2022 systemic review of 87 studies found increased screen time was modestly associated with higher levels of aggression, inattention, anxiety, depression and behavioral problems.

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Beijing, in the midst of China’s global rivialy with the U.S., has sought to take advantage of Washington’s inattention at the U.N. to put its mark on global affairs.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• carelessness 
• negligence