My daughter was misdiagnosed with ADHD, so this is a sensitive subject for me. There are many psychiatric conditions and even medical conditions that can cause inattention. So inattention on its own is not diagnostic. Depression and anxiety are other disorders that can cause symptoms that are very similar to ADD. Specific symptoms that are similar among many disorders include: irritability, forgetfulness, problems with organization, attention, and making decisions. Autism spectrum disorders also have symptoms of inattention and difficulty with organization. It is best to consult an expert! Imo, teachers are a good resource for identifying problems, but not experts. He could just be a smart boy bored with the classroom work.
So no, inattention isn't always ADD!
