uoppmerksom

Uoppmerksom is a Norwegian adjective meaning inattentive, not paying attention. It describes a state or behavior characterized by distraction, overlooking details, or failing to notice something. The term can refer to brief moments of inattention as well as a more persistent pattern of not being focused.

Etymology: The word is formed from oppmerksom ('attentive') with the negating prefix u-, giving 'not attentive'. The related nouns are oppmerksomhet (attention) and uoppmerksomhet (inattentiveness).

Usage: Common in everyday speech and in formal writing. In educational contexts it describes students who have difficulty sustaining attention in class. In road safety and workplace safety, it is used to describe distractions that increase the risk of errors or accidents. In clinical language, the concept is expressed with terms such as oppmerksomhetsvansker ("attention difficulties") or uoppmerksomhet, often as part of discussions about ADHD or other conditions affecting attention.

Common phrasing examples: "Han var uoppmerksom da han krysset gaten." "Uoppmerksomhet kan føre til feil og ulykker." The word can be used attributively or predicatively.

See also: oppmerksomhet, uoppmerksomhet, ADHD, oppmerksomhetsvansker.