Inattentive

/ˌɪnəˈtɛntɪv/

Meaning & Definition

adjective

Not alert or vigilant; careless.

Inattentive driving is a leading cause of accidents on the road.

Not paying attention; distracted or negligent in focus.

The teacher noticed that several students were inattentive during the lecture.

Failing to be mindful or considerate of someone's needs or feelings.

His inattentive behavior during our conversation made me feel unvalued.

Lacking awareness or concern about what is happening around one.

She was so immersed in her book that she became inattentive to the noise outside.

From 'in-' (not) + 'attentive' (paying attention)

inattentive student

a student who does not focus during classes.

inattentive driver

a driver who is not paying attention to the road.

inattentive audience

an audience that is not engaged with the performance.

attention

the act of focusing on something.

focus

the center of interest or activity.

concentration

the ability to focus one's attention.

zoned out

He was totally zoned out during the meeting.

tuned out

I was just tuned out of the conversation.