an inability to listen

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an inability to listen" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who struggles to pay attention or understand what others are saying. Example: "His constant interruptions during meetings demonstrate an inability to listen to his colleagues."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

She notes an inability to listen.

The New York Times - Books

Campbell knew that a lack of empathy often translated into an inability to listen.

The New Yorker

Incremental change happens in life no matter what I do to prevent it -- wrinkles, thrown-out backs, an inability to listen to 18-year-olds sing about heartbreak and life without rolling my eyes.

Huffington Post

An inability to listen to, acknowledge, and validate the uncomfortable feelings of another.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Pile those instincts on top of a natural inability to listen that comes from being, well, human.

Forbes

Waiting too long to be served at a restaurant, rudeness over the phone, inability to listen properly, not providing adequate information and unfriendliness: these are a few of my pet peeves when it comes to customer service.

Huffington Post

His diatribes, his hatred, his inability to listen calmly to an opposing argument, were the "exemplary" postures we learned in school.

Huffington Post

One can foresee, in his inability to listen or to finish a thought, his eventual bond and subsequent break with Marx.

The New Yorker

In probably the most damning assessment online, Andy May, national manager of the regional staff for the Yes campaign, said: "From the very start, the self-interest of the major funders and the senior management's lack of creativity, lack of experience and inability to listen to staff and activists' concerns had a very negative impact on the chances of success.

The Guardian

Inability to listen to someone else or to read a paragraph completely with understanding can be indication of extreme fatigue.

WikiHow

His inability to listen is part of his sickness.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing interpersonal conflicts, use "an inability to listen" to pinpoint the root cause of miscommunication. This emphasizes the active deficiency rather than passive hearing problems.

Common error

Be careful to distinguish "an inability to listen", which suggests a lack of attention or understanding, from physical hearing impairments. Ensure your context makes it clear whether you're referring to a cognitive or physical issue.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an inability to listen" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a state or condition of being unable to effectively process auditory information or pay attention to spoken communication. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "an inability to listen" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression for describing a deficiency in listening skills. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. While it can sometimes be confused with physical hearing impairments, it generally refers to a cognitive or behavioral issue related to attention and comprehension. Usage is common in News & Media, Science and Formal & Business, according to the analyzed examples. Remember to distinguish between the cognitive aspect of not being able to pay attention and physical hearing problems. When considering alternatives, "lack of attentiveness" or "poor listening skills" are good options, depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

inattentive listening

Describes a listening style characterized by a lack of focus.

lack of attentiveness

Emphasizes the absence of focus and attention during communication.

failure to pay attention

Indicates a general lack of focus, not specific to auditory input.

poor listening skills

Highlights a deficiency in the skills needed for effective listening.

difficulty understanding

Highlights the struggle to comprehend spoken information.

difficulty hearing

Focuses on the physical aspect of not being able to perceive sounds.

failure to heed

Stresses the disregard for advice or warnings given.

resistance to input

Focuses on active opposition to receiving information.

hearing impairment

Indicates a medical condition affecting the ability to hear.

auditory processing disorder

Points to a neurological condition that affects how the brain processes sounds.

FAQs

How can I use "an inability to listen" in a sentence?

You can use "an inability to listen" to describe someone who struggles to pay attention or understand what others are saying. For example, "His constant interruptions during meetings demonstrate "an inability to listen" to his colleagues".

What are some alternative phrases for "an inability to listen"?

Alternatives include "poor listening skills", "lack of attentiveness", or "difficulty understanding" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to say "an inability to listen" or "poor listening skills"?

Both phrases are acceptable, but "an inability to listen" emphasizes a fundamental deficiency, while "poor listening skills" suggests a lack of proficiency that can potentially be improved.

What's the difference between "an inability to listen" and "hearing impairment"?

"An inability to listen" typically refers to a cognitive or behavioral issue related to attention and comprehension. "Hearing impairment", on the other hand, describes a physical or medical condition affecting the ability to perceive sound.