inattention
noun
in·at·ten·tion
ˌi-nə-ˈten(t)-shən 
: failure to pay attention
an accident caused by the driver's inattention
Examples of inattention in a Sentence
Many traffic accidents are the result of driver inattention.
They lost several potential clients through their inattention to detail.
Recent Examples on the Web
Cyber criminals take advantage of user inattention and insufficient authentication on these websites.
—
Chuck Brooks, Forbes.com, 22 Jan. 2026
Deputies said driver inattention is a factor in the crash, although the investigation is continuing.
—CBS News, 25 Nov. 2025
How prevalence is determined Clinicians diagnose ADHD based on symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity.
—Carol Mathews, The Conversation, 15 Oct. 2025
The riot in western New York began Sept. 9, 1971, when prisoners — angered by prison officials' inattention to demands for better living conditions and rights — seized control of the penitentiary.
—Michael Collins, USA Today, 14 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for inattention
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Chuck Brooks, Forbes.com, 22 Jan. 2026
Deputies said driver inattention is a factor in the crash, although the investigation is continuing.
—CBS News, 25 Nov. 2025
How prevalence is determined Clinicians diagnose ADHD based on symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity.
—Carol Mathews, The Conversation, 15 Oct. 2025
The riot in western New York began Sept. 9, 1971, when prisoners — angered by prison officials' inattention to demands for better living conditions and rights — seized control of the penitentiary.
—Michael Collins, USA Today, 14 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for inattention
Cite this Entry
“Inattention.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inattention. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
inattention
noun
in·at·ten·tion
ˌin-ə-ˈten-chən
: failure to pay attention
inattentively
adverb
inattentiveness
noun
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