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Inattentive vs Distracted - What's the difference?

inattentive | distracted |

As adjectives the difference between inattentive and distracted

is that inattentive is of or pertaining to lack of attention; not paying attention; careless while distracted is having one's attention diverted; preoccupied.

As a verb distracted is

(distract).

inattentive

English

Adjective

(en adjective)
  • Of or pertaining to lack of attention; not paying attention; careless.
    • He was inattentive in class and did not do well in his exams.

    Derived terms

    * inattentively * inattentiveness

    distracted

    English

    Verb

    (head)
  • (distract)

    • Adjective

    (en adjective)
  • having one's attention diverted; preoccupied
  • distraught