unfocused

/ʌnˈfəʊkəst/ (bre, ipa) · [ənfˈokəst] /ʌnˈfəʊkəst/ (ame, ipa) · [ənfˈokəst] /ˌən-ˈfō-kəst How to pronounce unfocused (audio)/ (ame, mw)

unfocused — adjective

  • unfocusedpositive
  • more unfocusedcomparative
  • most unfocusedsuperlative

1. not showing sharp detail because the camera, lens, or eyes were not set right

1.形容詞B2
釋義

not showing sharp detail because the camera, lens, or eyes were not set right

例句

The wedding photo looked unfocused because rain hit the phone lens.

look unfocused because the lens was disturbed

Matthew deleted the unfocused selfie and asked Noor to take another.

unfocused + selfie/photo noun

同義詞
  • blurry

    broader and more everyday; it does not specifically suggest a focus problem

  • out-of-focus

    more technical and strongly tied to cameras or lenses

  • soft

    used in photography for low sharpness, often with a milder tone

反義詞
  • sharp

    shows clear edges and detail

  • focused

    correctly set so the image looks clear

文法句型

be/look + unfocused

unfocused + photo/image/screen/shot

用法筆記

Usually describes photos, video, screens, microscopes, or anything producing an image. Distinguish from sense 3: this sense is about visual sharpness, not weak organization or a missing main point.

常見錯誤

❌The camera is unfocused my face.
✅The camera image is unfocused.
💡this adjective describes the image, not a direct object pattern.
❌The photo is very focusless.
✅The photo is very unfocused.
💡'focusless' is not the normal word for a blurry image.

2. spreading attention in too many directions, so a discussion, plan, or piece of w

2.形容詞B2
釋義

spreading attention in too many directions, so a discussion, plan, or piece of work has no strong center

例句

The essay felt unfocused because each paragraph jumped to a new topic.

unfocused writing with topic jumps

Voters ignored the unfocused speech about schools, roads, and taxes.

unfocused + speech with too many themes

同義詞
  • scattered

    emphasizes pieces going in different directions

  • rambling

    especially for speech or writing that keeps wandering

  • diffuse

    more formal; often used in criticism of ideas or style

  • disorganized

    broader; may also suggest poor structure, not only weak central aim

反義詞
  • focused

    keeps a clear main aim or subject

  • coherent

    fits together clearly and logically

文法句型

be/seem + unfocused

unfocused + essay/speech/plan/campaign

用法筆記

Subject is usually a speech, essay, meeting, film, campaign, or plan. Distinguish from sense 4: sense 2 describes the work itself, while sense 4 describes a person who lacks direction.

常見錯誤

❌The report is unfocused because the photo is blurry.
✅The report is unfocused because it has no clear main point.
💡this sense is about ideas and organization, not picture quality.
❌Her goal is unfocused on money.
✅Her plan is unfocused because it tries to do too many things.
💡this sense does not usually take 'on' after the adjective.

3. with the eyes not fixed on what is in front of them, as if the person is dazed,

3.形容詞B2
釋義

with the eyes not fixed on what is in front of them, as if the person is dazed, sleepy, or unable to see clearly

例句

After the fall, Yuna stared past the nurse with unfocused eyes.

unfocused eyes after a shock

The sleepy baby gave the ceiling an unfocused look before drifting off.

unfocused look before sleep

同義詞
  • vacant

    suggests a mind that is absent as well as eyes without focus

  • glassy

    focuses on a shiny, fixed eye appearance, often from illness or tears

  • dazed

    broader; includes mental confusion as well as the eye look

反義詞
  • steady

    held firmly on one person or thing

  • focused

    fixed clearly on what the person is looking at

文法句型

unfocused + eyes/gaze/look/stare

stare with + unfocused eyes

用法筆記

Usually modifies eyes, gaze, look, or stare, often when someone is shocked, ill, half asleep, or dizzy. Distinguish from sense 1: sense 1 is for pictures or screens, while this sense is for a person's eyes.

常見錯誤

❌She gave me an unfocused opinion.
✅She gave me an unfocused look.
💡this sense is about the eyes or gaze, not thoughts or views.
❌His eyes were unfocused on the book.
✅His eyes were unfocused as he stared at the book.
💡the adjective here describes the eyes themselves, not a normal 'on' pattern.

4. not showing a settled purpose or next step, especially when a person keeps drift

4.形容詞B2
釋義

not showing a settled purpose or next step, especially when a person keeps drifting from one aim to another

例句

After leaving college, Indra spent a year feeling unfocused and restless.

feel unfocused after a life change

The new manager seemed unfocused, changing priorities every Monday morning.

seem unfocused in leadership

同義詞
  • aimless

    very close; often stresses having no clear goal at all

  • directionless

    more strongly emphasizes not knowing where to go next

  • adrift

    more figurative and emotional, often suggesting instability

  • undecided

    narrower; can describe one choice rather than a general lack of direction

反義詞
  • purposeful

    shows a clear reason and intention

  • driven

    strongly motivated toward goals

  • focused

    clear about what to do next

文法句型

feel/seem + unfocused

unfocused + person/graduate/leader

用法筆記

Usually describes a person, a stage of life, or a style of leadership rather than a document or speech. Distinguish from sense 2: if the confusing thing is the plan or report itself, use sense 2 instead.

常見錯誤

❌I am unfocused on this paragraph.
✅I cannot focus on this paragraph.
💡this sense is about lacking direction or intention, not a brief concentration problem.
❌The job market is unfocused, so I feel lost.
✅I feel unfocused about my career, so I keep changing plans.
💡this sense normally describes the person, not the whole outside situation.