unobservant

/ˌʌn.əbˈzɜː.vənt/ (bre, ipa) · /ˌʌn.əbˈzɝː.vənt/ (ame, ipa) · /ˌən-əb-ˈzər-vənt/ (ame, mw)

unobservant — adjective

  • unobservantpositive
  • more unobservantcomparative
  • most unobservantsuperlative

1. not paying close attention to things happening around you, so that you miss deta

1.形容詞B2
釋義

not paying close attention to things happening around you, so that you miss details or changes that other people would normally notice

例句

The teacher was too unobservant to see the sleeping child at the back of class.

too + unobservant + to-infinitive for resulting failure

An unobservant driver might miss the yellow sign warning of a sharp curve ahead.

attributive: unobservant + noun (driver)

同義詞
  • inattentive

    more common and general; suggests a temporary lack of focus rather than a personality trait

  • oblivious

    stronger meaning of being completely unaware; often used with 'to' (oblivious to)

  • unseeing

    literary or dramatic; suggests looking but not truly noticing

反義詞
  • observant

    direct opposite; quick to notice things

  • alert

    emphasises readiness to notice danger or opportunity

  • attentive

    focuses on paying careful attention, often to someone's needs

文法句型

be + unobservant + of + noun phrase

too + unobservant + to-infinitive

用法筆記

Commonly used in the pattern 'too + unobservant + to-infinitive' to express that a person's lack of attention causes them to miss something. The preposition that follows this sense is always 'of', never 'to'.

常見錯誤

❌He was unobservant to the changes in the schedule.
✅He was unobservant of the changes in the schedule.
💡'unobservant' takes the preposition 'of', not 'to'.

2. not following the rules, customs, or practices that a particular religion requir

2.形容詞C1
釋義

not following the rules, customs, or practices that a particular religion requires its members to observe

例句

The family was unobservant of Jewish customs and did not keep the weekly Sabbath.

unobservant of + religious custom — common prepositional pattern

In the small village, the unobservant worshippers rarely attended Friday prayers at the mosque.

attributive: unobservant + religious noun (worshippers)

同義詞
  • non-observant

    nearly identical in meaning; more common in religious contexts

  • irreligious

    stronger and potentially negative; suggests active rejection or hostility toward religion

  • lapsed

    refers specifically to someone who used to follow a religion but no longer does

反義詞
  • observant

    direct opposite; faithfully following religious rules

  • devout

    strong commitment to religious belief and practice

  • pious

    emphasises dutiful religious devotion, sometimes with a hint of showiness

文法句型

be + unobservant + of + religious custom/practice/rule

unobservant + noun (worshipper/family/community)

用法筆記

Used exclusively for religious observance. If you want to say someone does not follow general (non-religious) rules, use 'non-compliant' or 'inattentive' instead. Typically followed by 'of' + a noun referring to religious customs, traditions, or laws.

常見錯誤

❌She was unobservant of the company dress code.
✅She was non-compliant with the company dress code.
💡'unobservant of' in this sense refers only to religious rules and customs, not general rules.