unfocused
Americanadjective
-
not brought into focus; lacking proper focus.
an unfocused camera.
-
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.
"I forgot to look down until I heard our baby's cry. I saw her face, gasping just as she did. Her eyes, wide and unfocused, taking in the light and shadow, blinking rapidly."
From BBC ● Sep. 17, 2026
People working for AI companies are so busy and unfocused on traditional markers of wealth, many have yet to fully embrace the fruits of that labor.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 9, 2026
The rambling and unfocused speech offered little in the way of specifics.
From Salon ● Apr. 2, 2026
“You have a lot of light around you,” she said, her eyes seeming unfocused as she rested her vision on a candle flickering to the left of me.
From Los Angeles Times ● Dec. 8, 2025
Bunderson wanted to avoid Dr. Strayer testifying to the jury that when a motorist is texting, or, for that matter, talking on the phone, they are unfocused and distracted.
From "A Deadly Wandering: A Mystery, a Landmark Investigation, and the Astonishing Science of Attention in the Digital Age" by Matt Richtel
Definitions 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.
