Thesaurus.com
Dictionary.com
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.

Charlotin believes that the superficially authentic tone of AI bots’ output may encourage overworked or inattentive lawyers to accept bogus citations without double-checking.

From Los Angeles Times • May 22, 2025

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

From Salon • Apr. 5, 2025

A new study calculates that exposure to car exhaust from leaded gas during childhood altered the balance of mental health in the U.S. population, making generations of Americans more depressed, anxious and inattentive or hyperactive.

From Science Daily • Dec. 4, 2024

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

Dad either noticed and is saying nothing, or he really is the most inattentive man in the world, like Mom used to say.

From "Please Ignore Vera Dietz" by A.S. King

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.