unlistening

English

Etymology

From un- +‎ listening.

Pronunciation

• enPR: lĭs'ən, lĭs'n, IPA^(key): /ʌnˈlɪs.ən.iŋ/, /ʌnˈlɪs.nɪŋ/

Adjective

unlistening (not comparable)

1. Not listening.
   • 1891, Bret Harte, chapter 4, in A First Family of Tasajara:

     The voices of his mother and sisters, raised at times in eagerness or expectation of the future, fell upon his unlistening ears.

   • 1904, William Henry Hudson, Green Mansions, chapter XX:

     "Did you know, beloved, at the last, in that intolerable heat, in that moment of supreme anguish, that he is unlistening, unhelpful as the stars, that you cried not to him?"

   • 2012 April 15, Jeremy Denk, "‘The Great Animal Orchestra,’ by Bernie Krause" (book review), New York Times (retrieved 22 June 2015):

     Both have something important to say, but are hyperconscious of an unlistening world. They are disappointed, incredulous at humanity’s deafness.

Synonyms

• (not listening): ignoring, indifferent, unheedful

Translations

not listening