As a Noun: 1. A lack of attention to what is being said or done. English = inattention. 2. Something that takes you attention away from something. English = distraction. As a Verb or Adjective: 1. Of someone, to be made by something or someone else to stop concentrating on what they are doing. English = (be) distracted 2. To not pay attention to what is being said or done. English = (be) inattentive.