inattention
AmericanEtymology
Origin of inattention
Explanation
When you don't pay full attention to something or someone, that's inattention. Your inattention while you're driving can lead to mistakes like running a red light or bumping into the car in front of you. If you're not focusing on something enough, you're guilty of inattention. Inattention can be dangerous when you're flying a plane, taking a math test, or babysitting an active toddler. When you add the "not" prefix in- to attention (which comes from the Latin attendere, "give heed to," or literally "stretch toward"), you get inattention.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Banks will no longer be able to expect deposit stickiness based on customer inattention; stickiness earned by paying a fair rate is real and durable.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 2, 2026
It is characterized by persistent patterns of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity that can interfere with daily life, including school, work, and relationships.
From Science Daily ● Mar. 17, 2026
Prosecutor Adrian Stalker said his driving had been dangerous and was "not just a lack of judgement or momentary inattention".
From BBC ● Oct. 8, 2025
China throughout Latin America has made significant inroads in infrastructure and diplomacy, often taking advantage of U.S. inattention.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jan. 31, 2025
It was not the inadequacy of the machine but the Rad Lab’s inattention and its narrow focus that prevented the lab from winning credit for them.
From "Big Science" by Michael Hiltzik
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Get a wordDefinitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
