distractibility

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "distractibility" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing someone's tendency to be easily distracted or when referring to a characteristic related to attention span. Example: "Her distractibility made it difficult for her to focus on the lecture, as she often found herself daydreaming."

✓ Grammatically correct

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

39 human-written examples

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), a behavioral syndrome characterized by inattention and distractibility, restlessness, inability to sit still, and difficulty concentrating on one thing for any period of time.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Children and adults are diagnosed with ADHD if they persistently show a combination of traits including, among others, forgetfulness, distractibility, fidgeting, restlessness, impatience, difficulty sustaining attention in work, play, or conversation, or difficulty following instructions and completing tasks.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Ingestion of more than 30 millilitres (1 ounce) of ethyl alcohol per day during pregnancy can lead to the development of fetal alcohol syndrome, characterized by intrauterine growth retardation and subsequent learning disabilities, such as distractibility, language disorders, and low IQ.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Mania is a mood disturbance that is characterized by abnormally intense excitement, elation, expansiveness, boisterousness, talkativeness, distractibility, and irritability.

Encyclopedia Britannica

During this episode symptoms such as increased talkativeness, distractibility, decreased need for sleep, inflated self-esteem, and excessive involvement in pleasurable yet risky activities may be present.

Encyclopedia Britannica

A number of people who have been diagnosed with the syndrome some of them psychologists and psychiatrists—have challenged the notion that personality traits such as inattentiveness, impulsivity, and distractibility deserve the label symptoms.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The questionnaire measured four personality aspects: unusual experiences – such as belief in telepathy and paranormal events – difficulty in focusing thoughts or distractibility, an avoidance of intimacy, and a tendency towards impulsive and antisocial behaviour.

Independent

Restlessness and distractibility are among the strengths of his writing, but they don't help much with building suspense; while much of the writing here is vivid and forceful, the tale drifts.

Independent

Manic symptoms consist of feelings of inflated self-esteem or grandiosity, a decreased need for sleep, unusual loquacity, an unconnected flow of ideas, distractibility, or excessive involvement in pleasurable activities that have a high potential for painful consequences, such as buying sprees or sexual indiscretions.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Other hypotheses examine the association of the disorder with a past or present history of head trauma, epilepsy, encephalitis, severe hyperactivity, distractibility, anomalies in various brain structures, and learning disabilities.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

"The concept of 'distractibility' is unclear.

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about technology's impact on focus, use "distractibility" to highlight how devices or digital environments can reduce our ability to concentrate. For instance, "The constant notifications contributed to increased distractibility among the students."

Common error

While "distractibility" is a precise term, it can sound overly formal in everyday conversation. In informal settings, consider using simpler terms like "easily distracted" or "lack of focus" to maintain a more natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The term "distractibility" functions primarily as a noun, referring to the quality or state of being easily distracted. Ludwig examples illustrate its use in describing symptoms of ADHD, effects of technology, and personality traits. The phrase is used to denote a person's susceptibility to having their attention diverted.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "distractibility" is a noun that describes the ease with which a person's concentration can be disrupted. Ludwig's analysis, supported by various examples, shows it's grammatically sound and suitable for use in formal, medical, and technological contexts. While alternatives like "inattentiveness" or "easily distracted" exist, "distractibility" maintains a precise and technical tone. The term is commonly found in news, encyclopedias, and scientific publications, illustrating its broad applicability and acceptance. While often used to describe negative traits or conditions, its appearance in discussions around creativity suggests it's not exclusively negative.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

easily distracted

This phrase describes the characteristic of being prone to distraction, focusing on the ease with which attention is diverted.

proneness to distraction

This phrase emphasizes the inclination or tendency to be easily distracted, highlighting susceptibility to interruptions.

inattentiveness

This term denotes a lack of attention, closely related to distractibility but with a broader scope, including both internal and external distractions.

difficulty concentrating

This phrase describes the struggle to maintain focus, emphasizing the effort required to concentrate.

lack of focus

This phrase directly indicates an inability to concentrate, similar to distractibility but emphasizes the absence of focus.

short attention span

This phrase characterizes the limited duration of focused attention, indicating a difficulty in maintaining concentration for extended periods.

attention deficit

A shorter, more direct term for a lack of attention, often used in medical contexts.

attentional deficit

This term highlights a deficiency in attention, often used in clinical contexts to describe a reduced capacity for concentration.

mental wandering

This term highlights the tendency for thoughts to drift away from the task at hand, indicating an internal form of distractibility.

cognitive scattering

Describes the diffusion of mental focus across multiple stimuli, suggesting a lack of singular focus.

FAQs

How is "distractibility" typically assessed in a clinical setting?

Clinicians often use tools like the Continuous Performance Test to measure "distractibility". These tests assess an individual's ability to maintain focus and resist distractions over a period of time.

What are some common causes of "distractibility"?

Common causes of "distractibility" include attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), sleep deprivation, stress, and environmental factors such as excessive noise or interruptions.

What can I say instead of "distractibility"?

You can use alternatives like "inattentiveness", "lack of focus", or "easily distracted" depending on the context.

Is "distractibility" always a negative trait?

While often seen as a negative trait, "distractibility" can sometimes be associated with creativity and the ability to process multiple streams of information, particularly in dynamic environments.