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inattentive
/ɪnˈæt.ɪn.tɪv/
not paying attention
The teacher scolded the inattentive student for daydreaming during the lesson.
The teacher reprimanded the student who wasn't paying attention because they were distracted.
general
Not paying attention or being careless in observing or listening.
His inattentive driving led to a near-accident on the highway.
Because he wasn't paying attention while driving, he almost caused a crash.
She was so inattentive during the meeting that she missed important details.
She was so distracted during the meeting that she overlooked key information.
Often used to describe someone who is easily distracted or fails to notice important things.
Collocations
inattentive tonot paying attention toinattentive behavioractions showing a lack of attention
Pro Tip
Common Usage
Use 'inattentive' to describe someone who is not paying attention, often in a critical or disapproving way.
Gold Rule
Avoid Overuse
Use sparingly to avoid sounding overly critical or repetitive.
Word Origin
From Latin 'in-' (not) + 'attentus' (attentive), meaning 'not attentive'.
Usage Notes
Commonly used to describe someone who is not paying attention, often in a negative context.
Word Breakdown
in-
not
prefixattentive
paying attention
rootEnglish Dictionary