zone out
en
en
Change language
Translating...
/zoʊn aʊt/
Add to My Dictionary
In My Dictionary
+1
A brief lapse of attention where the mind drifts away, often from boredom or fatigue, and the person stops noticing what is happening around them.
Examples
During the lecture, I zoned out and missed the key point.
She zones out whenever the conversation gets too technical.
When the teacher asked a question, I zoned out completely.
He zoned out and forgot to submit his assignment.
I was zoning out and didn't hear my name being called.
Similar words
mind-wander
daydream
tune out
drift off
space out
go blank
lose focus
be absent-minded
Meanings
Examples
During the lecture, I zoned out and missed the key point.
She zones out whenever the conversation gets too technical.
After a long day, he tends to zone out on the couch.
The kids zoned out while the movie was boring.
I was zoning out and didn't hear my name being called.
When the teacher asked a question, I zoned out completely.
He zoned out and forgot to submit his assignment.
Similar words
space out
daydream
drift off
lose focus
tune out
mind-wander
be absent-minded
go blank
Etymology
First recorded in US informal speech in the 1970s, extending the noun zone to a mental state.
FAQ
What does it mean to zone out?
It means to temporarily stop paying attention and become unaware of what is happening around you.
Can I use zone out in formal writing?
It is best kept to informal contexts; formal writing usually prefers phrases like “lose focus” or “be inattentive.”
Is zone out the same as daydreaming?
They are similar, but daydreaming implies active imagination, while zone out is a passive lapse of attention.
What are common synonyms for zone out?
Common synonyms include space out, daydream, drift off, lose focus, tune out, mind‑wander, be absent‑minded, and go blank.
Boredom, fatigue, stress, or deep thought can cause the mind to drift and result in zoning out.
How is zone out different from zoning out in urban planning?
In everyday language it describes a mental lapse, whereas in planning it refers to designating an area for a specific use.
Comments & contributions
Know this word from another angle? Add a correction, a nuance, or a usage note. New posts go public after a quick review.
No comments yet. Be the first to add one.