inattentive — not paying attention to something; failing to concentrate or focus
Part of speech: ADJECTIVE
Definition: not paying attention to something; failing to concentrate or focus
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˌɪnəˈtentɪv/
Example Sentences
- The inattentive chef burned the soup while scrolling through his phone.
- Students who are inattentive during math class often struggle with homework.
- My inattentive cat walked straight into the glass door again.
inattentive
ADJECTIVE[/ˌɪnəˈtentɪv/]
not paying attention to something; failing to concentrate or focus
a student sits at his desk staring out the window while doodling on his paper instead of taking notes. The teacher stands at the front pointing to important diagrams on the chalkboard behind her. The lesson continues but the student misses all the key information being presented. His classmates around him are actively writing and listening to the teacher's explanation. someone not paying attention to something important and failing to concentrate or focus
Got the picture? Now let's practice.
🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
From Latin attentus meaning 'to stretch toward' or 'pay attention,' with the negative prefix 'in-' added to create the opposite meaning.
Breakdown
in- (not/without) + attent- (to stretch toward, pay attention) + -ive (adjective suffix meaning 'having the quality of')
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“The inattentive chef burned the soup while scrolling through his phone.”
“Students who are inattentive during math class often struggle with homework.”
“My inattentive cat walked straight into the glass door again.”
“The meeting became ineffective due to inattentive participants checking emails.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
Related
Want to master 19,000+ words?
Sign up free for flashcards & quizzes.