Divided attention

/dɪˈvaɪ.dɪd əˈtɛn.ʃən/ noun

Definition

The ability to process and respond to multiple tasks or stimuli simultaneously, often resulting in decreased performance on each task.

Etymology

From Latin 'dividere' (to separate) + 'attentio' (stretching toward). Attention split between tasks.

Kelly Says

Divided attention is multitasking — and science shows your brain can't truly do two complex things at once. It rapidly switches between them, and performance drops!

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.