inattentiveness

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "inattentiveness" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a lack of attention or focus, often in contexts related to behavior, learning, or observation. Example: "His inattentiveness during the lecture led to him missing important information."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

The downside of Mr Cameron's vast self-belief is complacency, often manifested in an inattentiveness to his own political backyard.

The Economist

Together with this surprising inattentiveness, executives have a remarkably faulty memory which means that conversations are rarely recalled in any detail.

The Economist

The electorate was ruled by the Hannoverian kings of England (George I through William IV), who, whether from tolerance or inattentiveness, allowed greater freedom of thought than did rulers in other parts of Germany.

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

At the start of the experiment, researchers looked at the children's behaviour, including inattentiveness, sense of inferiority, impatience, rule breaking and defiance of parental authority.

Independent

That's how I see him, anyway: a slight, delicately made man, light of bone and temperament, easy and weightless in the world, but precise and sharp – a tailor of genius who floated above the clumsy inattentiveness of the mundane world.

Independent

The hyperactivity, inattentiveness and lack of impulse control that are at the heart of an ADHD diagnosis are, according to Timimi, simply "a collection of behaviours".

Independent

One thinks of Alan Ayckbourn's Absurd Person Singular, where the depressed housewife's bids are farcically foiled by the inattentiveness in others that has driven her to make them.

Independent

As British schools become more standardised, and British schoolchildren more frequently tested, with their teachers under ever-increasing pressure to meet "value added" targets for their pupils, it is to be expected that inattentiveness will be greeted with rigid intolerance.

Independent

The fixation with his girth, his inattentiveness, and his over-all presentation pointed to a truth: we long ago recognized that Trayvon Martin was deeply symbolic, but, for a good number of people, Zimmerman is, too.

The New Yorker

The book makes clear the dangers of colonial powers' inattentiveness to the dissatisfactions of those they rule, and the human costs of answering one atrocity with another.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing formal diagnoses like ADHD, use "inattentiveness" to accurately represent the clinical symptom, differentiating it from everyday distractions.

Common error

Avoid using "inattentiveness" in very casual settings where simpler words like "distraction" or "lack of attention" would sound more natural. Formal vocabulary can seem stilted if overused.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "inattentiveness" is as a noun. It names a quality or state of being, specifically the lack of attention or focus. It often serves as the subject or object of a sentence, as evidenced by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Encyclopedias

7%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Science

7%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "inattentiveness" is a grammatically correct and frequently used noun that describes a lack of attention. As shown by Ludwig, it appears most often in News & Media and Encyclopedias, indicating a formal to neutral register. While there are several synonyms like "lack of attention" and "carelessness", the choice depends on the context and desired nuance. The phrase is often used in discussions around ADHD, human error, and performance evaluation. It's important to remember that, while "inattentiveness" is correct and usable as stated by Ludwig AI, using simpler alternatives can improve clarity and naturalness in less formal situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lack of attention

This alternative is a more common and direct way of expressing the same concept.

lack of focus

This alternative emphasizes the inability to concentrate on a particular task or subject.

heedlessness

This alternative implies a disregard for consequences, adding a layer of meaning beyond simple lack of attention.

carelessness

This alternative suggests a lack of diligence or caution, implying a potential for mistakes.

distraction

This alternative focuses on the state of being diverted from focus.

negligence

This alternative implies a failure to exercise reasonable care, often with legal or ethical implications.

absent-mindedness

This alternative suggests a habitual or characteristic lack of attention to immediate surroundings or details.

unmindfulness

This alternative highlights a lack of awareness or consideration.

thoughtlessness

This alternative emphasizes a lack of consideration for others' feelings or needs.

preoccupation

This alternative suggests being absorbed in one's own thoughts, leading to a lack of attention to external stimuli.

FAQs

How can I use "inattentiveness" in a sentence?

"Inattentiveness" is a noun that describes the quality of not paying attention. For example, "The driver's "inattentiveness" led to an accident".

What are some synonyms for "inattentiveness"?

Synonyms for "inattentiveness" include "lack of attention", "heedlessness", and "carelessness". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "inattentiveness" a formal word?

Yes, "inattentiveness" is generally considered a more formal term. In casual conversation, phrases like "not paying attention" or "distraction" may be more appropriate.

How does "inattentiveness" relate to ADHD?

"Inattentiveness" is a key symptom of ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder), characterized by difficulty sustaining focus and attention. Other symptoms are "hyperactivity" and "impulsiveness".