inattentive

American  

[in-uh-ten-tiv] / ˌɪn əˈtɛn tɪv /

adjective

1. not attentive; negligent.

   Inattentive or careless driving is a serious issue, and cell phones clearly contribute to it.

   Synonyms:

   thoughtless, slipshod, slapdash, remiss, regardless, neglectful, irresponsible, careless

   Antonyms:

   mindful, thoughtful, careful

2. characterized by or exhibiting a lack of focus or concentration.

   Most children are occasionally inattentive, distractible, impulsive, or highly active.

   Synonyms:

   oblivious, faraway, dreamy, distracted, abstracted, absent-minded, absent, ditzy, unmindful, heedless, distrait, preoccupied

   Antonyms:

   mindful, thoughtful, careful

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inattentive British  

/ ˌɪnəˈtɛntɪv /

adjective

1. not paying attention; heedless; negligent

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Other Word Forms

• inattention noun
• inattentively adverb
• inattentiveness noun

Etymology

Origin of inattentive

First recorded in 1735–45; in- ³ + attentive

Example Sentences

In Europe, for example, where Musk has said he hopes to win approval for FSD as soon as February, carmakers are mandated to have effective strategies to warn inattentive drivers.

From BBC

After all, she’s a household name, which is no small consideration in a state as vast and politically inattentive as California.

From Los Angeles Times

Charlotin believes that the superficially authentic tone of AI bots’ output may encourage overworked or inattentive lawyers to accept bogus citations without double-checking.

From Los Angeles Times

Humans are not just inattentive; they are irrational in a profoundly emotional sense.

From Salon

Jurors ultimately decided that Penny was not guilty of criminally negligent homicide, which “involves causing someone's death by acting in a manner that was reckless, inattentive, or careless.”

From Salon

Related Words

• apathetic
• bored
• careless
• distracted
• distraught
• indifferent
• oblivious