attention span

American

noun

the interval during which an individual can concentrate, as on a single object, idea, or activity.

Etymology

Origin of attention span

First recorded in 1930–35

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

According to the charity, plant owners may notice improved attention spans and mood, along with reduced stress levels and blood pressure.

From BBC

"That trend is over and there is a shift in focus. Our attention spans these days is very short."

From BBC

Most people can focus only for three or four hours at a stretch, anyhow, so trying to work for eight solid hours isn’t really an effective use of your attention span.

From The Wall Street Journal

In 2026, when attention spans are measured in seconds, the Winter Olympic Games are feeling the consequences.

From The Wall Street Journal

The rise of short-form videos on TikTok, Instagram and YouTube—as well as our habit of using multiple devices simultaneously—has shortened our attention spans, said researchers.

From The Wall Street Journal

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023