INATTENTION Synonyms: 47 Similar and Opposite Words

inattention

noun

Definition of inattention

as in negligence

failure to carefully think about, listen to, or watch someone or something Many traffic accidents are the result of driver inattention. They lost several potential clients through their inattention to detail.

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of inattention Speed, alcohol, inattention, and disregard for the rules meant to keep everyone safe are among the most dangerous and deadly choices anyone can make on the water. — Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 23 June 2026 Voter inattention to the issue has contributed to frequent presidential overreach in flexing the muscles of the commander in chief. — James Cramer, Baltimore Sun, 11 May 2026 To be sure, Bernanke cleaned up the 2008 financial crisis that Greenspan — through his inattention to the negative implications of financial deregulation — helped cause. — Peter Cohan, Forbes.com, 23 June 2026 That agreement resolved a union grievance addressing what the union regarded as administrative overreach and inattention to employees mired in lengthy investigations and disciplinary proceedings. — Howard Blume, Los Angeles Times, 5 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for inattention

Recent Examples of Synonyms for inattention

Noun

The Bellos family, through their Kansas City attorney Tom Porto, filed a lawsuit in late June alleging assault, medical negligence and Sunshine Law violations.

— Laura Bauer July 7, Kansas City Star, 7 July 2026
Metz’s attorneys could not be reached for comment on the sentencing, but during the hearing, Jones emphasized that Metz has taken responsibility for his negligence and has felt remorse every day since the shooting.

— Katie Langford, Denver Post, 7 July 2026

Definition of negligence

Noun

Attorneys representing inmates there said the facility’s culture of violence and inattentiveness led to two suicides and at least 10 severe beatings and stabbings in its final year of operation.

— Matthew Kelly, Kansas City Star, 11 Mar. 2026
That inattentiveness to cleaning the floor extended to the bottom shelf of a kitchen prep table and the top shelf of a prep table next to the cookline, each shelf dotted with 100 rodent droppings.

— David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 19 Dec. 2025

Definition of inattentiveness

Browse Nearby Words

in attendance

inattention

inattentive

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“Inattention.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inattention. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of inattention

noun

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