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Synonyms

unfocused

American  
[uhn-foh-kuhst] / ʌnˈfoʊ kəst /
especially British, unfocussed

adjective

  1. not brought into focus; lacking proper focus.

    an unfocused camera.

  2. lacking a clear purpose or direction.

    an unfocused meeting.


Etymology

Origin of unfocused

First recorded in 1885–90; un- 1 + focus ( def. ) + -ed 2 ( def. )

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.

The rambling and unfocused speech offered little in the way of specifics.

From Salon • Apr. 2, 2026

Yet works of high seriousness were never his strong suit, as his rambling and distressingly unfocused Eisenhower Memorial in Washington showed.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 5, 2025

Back then it was hard to get approval from the police, and the march was a chaotic, unfocused event.

From BBC • Jan. 21, 2025

Campaign strategists from both parties say Trump’s attacks on Harris suffer from another flaw: They’re scattershot and unfocused.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 2, 2024

His eyes were glassy, unfocused, and, if she was not mistaken, he almost smiled.

From "Night Owls" by A.R. Vishny