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unobservant
/ˌʌnəbˈzɜːrvənt/
not noticing details or surroundings
She was unobservant and didn't notice the thief behind her.
She didn't pay attention to her surroundings and missed seeing the thief.
informal
Not noticing or paying attention to details or surroundings
He's so unobservant that he walks into doors.
He doesn't pay attention to where he's going.
The detective was unobservant and missed key clues.
The detective failed to notice important details.
Often used to describe someone who is easily distracted or lacks awareness.
Collocations
be unobservantto not notice things around youremain unobservantto continue not paying attention
Pro Tip
Common Usage
This word is often used to describe someone who doesn't notice things around them.
Word Origin
From 'un-' (not) + 'observant' (from Latin 'observare' meaning to observe)
Usage Notes
Often used to describe someone who is easily distracted or lacks awareness of their surroundings.
Word Breakdown
un-
not
prefixobservant
paying attention
rootEnglish Dictionary