Dictionary.com
Thesaurus.com
Showing results for unfocused. Search instead for misfocused.
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.

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

The rest of the time, though, things are pretty but unfocused, like dreams that are half-remembered, not tangible enough to incur real meaning.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 7, 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

Since its inception beginning with 2013’s “Man of Steel,” the live-action films in the DCU were largely derided as being unfocused and dull, lacking the narrative thrust of their competitors in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

From Salon • Dec. 19, 2024

His head sways to one side—his bright blue eyes look dull and unfocused.

From "Legend" by Marie Lu