inattention

American  

[in-uh-ten-shuhn] / ˌɪn əˈtɛn ʃən /

noun

1. lack of attention; negligence.

2. an act of neglect.

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Etymology

Origin of inattention

First recorded in 1700–10; in- ³ + attention

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.

Related Words

• carelessness
• negligence