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Definitions

inattentive

[in-uh-ten-tiv] / ˌɪn əˈtɛn tɪv /
ADJECTIVE
negligent, not paying attention
Synonyms
STRONGEST
apathetic bored careless distracted distraught indifferent oblivious
WEAK
absent absentminded blind distrait diverted dreamy faraway heedless inadvertent inobservant listless lost musing neglectful off-guard out to lunch preoccupied rapt regardless remiss removed scatterbrained thoughtless unconscious undiscerning unheeding unmindful unnoticing unobservant unobserving unperceiving unthinking unwatchful vague
Antonyms
STRONGEST
caring concerned interested mindful
WEAK
attentive heedful looking noticing observant

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.

Humans are not just inattentive; they are irrational in a profoundly emotional sense.

From Salon • Apr. 5, 2025

The filing also says the Dali was manned by "an incompetent crew that was inattentive to its duties" and "lacked proper training".

From BBC • Apr. 23, 2024

He was exonerated in each instance, except for one finding of inattentive driving.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 3, 2024

Toward the end of freshman year, we all started hanging out at the house of a friend who had a big basement and inattentive parents.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 4, 2024

He was unaided and easily condemned by a system that was inattentive to the precise legal requirements of capital punishment.

From "Just Mercy" by Bryan Stevenson