oblivion
Americannoun
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the state of being completely forgotten or unknown.
a former movie star now in oblivion.
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the state of forgetting or of being oblivious.
the oblivion of sleep.
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the act or process of dying out; complete annihilation or extinction.
If we don't preserve their habitat, the entire species will pass into oblivion.
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Archaic. official disregard or overlooking of offenses; pardon; amnesty.
noun
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the condition of being forgotten or disregarded
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the state of being mentally withdrawn or blank
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law an intentional overlooking, esp of political offences; amnesty; pardon
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of oblivion
First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English, from Middle French, from Latin oblīviōn-, stem of oblīviō “a forgetting,” equivalent to oblīv(īscī) “to forget” + -iō -ion; see ob-
Explanation
Oblivion is the state of being forgotten. Your uncle dreamed of being a rock star, but after recording one hit song, he faded into oblivion. Oblivion can also mean "total forgetfulness" — like what patients with dementia or new parents feel. If you find yourself putting the crackers in the fridge and milk in the cupboards, or forgetting your own phone number, you might be experiencing oblivion. Enjoy it while it lasts.
Vocabulary lists containing oblivion
Grade 9, List 1
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Fahrenheit 451
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100 Words to Make You Sound Smart
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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.
"Oblivion was a really defining moment in the series," Howard said in the announcement.
From BBC • Apr. 22, 2025
“Obviously you’re going to get these headliners that are from all over the world,” Oblivion said.
From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 1, 2024
Like Mudge, they swore in using their hacker handles—Brian Oblivion, John Tan, Space Rogue, and Weld Pond—not their real names.
From Slate • Sep. 13, 2022
Powered by that single, the Trees’ second major-label debut "Sweet Oblivion," drove the band to to national prominence.
From Fox News • Feb. 22, 2022
And the permission of George Sterling is greatly appreciated for the right to reproduce his three sonnets on Oblivion.
From The Circus, and Other Essays and Fugitive Pieces by Kilmer, Joyce
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
