lack of attention

USAGE SUMMARY

"lack of attention" is correct and usable in written English.
This phrase can refer to someone not paying attention to a physical location (e.g. "The lack of attention to this area has caused the increase in crime"), or not paying attention to a person (e.g. "The lack of attention from her parents left her feeling lonely").

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The lack of attention is itself understandable.

The New York Times

So why the lack of attention?

The New York Times

But by lack of attention".

The Guardian - Opinion

Another is lack of attention.

Harvard Business Review

It's partly a lack of attention.

The New York Times

Or a lack of attention to your personal appearance.

The Guardian - Opinion

So why the lack of attention this time around?

The Guardian - Film

That lack of attention was fine with him.

The New York Times - Sports

Mr. Brody laments this lack of attention and respect.

The New York Times - Books

"There's a lack of attention to road schemes," he says.

The Guardian

My body language projected a lack of attention.

Harvard Business Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "lack of attention", ensure the context clearly identifies what or who is not receiving enough focus. For example, instead of saying "There is a lack of attention", specify "There is a lack of attention to detail in this report".

Common error

Avoid using "lack of attention" without specifying what is lacking attention. Vague statements like "The problem is a lack of attention" leave the reader wondering what exactly needs more focus. Always clarify the object of the inattention.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lack of attention" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It typically acts as the subject or object of a sentence, describing a deficiency in focus or care. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in numerous contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Science

22%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Academia

6%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "lack of attention" is a common and grammatically sound noun phrase used to describe a deficiency in focus or care. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it appears frequently in news, science, and formal business contexts. To use it effectively, ensure you clearly specify what is lacking attention to avoid vagueness. While alternatives like "inattentiveness" or "negligence" exist, "lack of attention" remains a versatile and widely understood choice for expressing this concept.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

inattentiveness

Directly describes the state of not paying attention.

failure to notice

Highlights the act of not observing something important.

inadequate focus

Emphasizes the insufficiency of focus given to something.

carelessness

Stresses the lack of caution or thoroughness.

insufficient consideration

Highlights that something was not thought about enough.

negligence

Suggests a failure to take necessary care, often implying a duty to do so.

oversight

Implies a mistake resulting from failing to notice something.

disregard

Indicates a deliberate ignoring or indifference.

omission

Focuses on the act of leaving something out or failing to include it.

heedlessness

Emphasizes a lack of concern or awareness.

FAQs

How can I use "lack of attention" in a sentence?

You can use "lack of attention" to describe a situation where something is not receiving enough focus or care. For example: "The project failed due to a "lack of attention" to detail" or "The students are struggling because of a "lack of attention" from the teacher".

What are some alternatives to "lack of attention"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "inattentiveness", "negligence", or "insufficient consideration". Each alternative carries a slightly different nuance.

Which is correct, "lack of attention" or "lack of attentiveness"?

Both "lack of attention" and "lack of attentiveness" are grammatically correct and can be used interchangeably in many contexts. However, "lack of attention" is more commonly used.

What's the difference between "lack of attention" and "failure to notice"?

"Lack of attention" implies a general absence of focus or care, while "failure to notice" specifically highlights the act of not observing something. For example: a "lack of attention" to safety regulations might lead to a "failure to notice" a potential hazard.