inadvertence

American  

[in-uhd-vur-tns] / ˌɪn ədˈvɜr tns /

noun

1. the quality or condition of being inadvertent; heedlessness.

2. the act or effect of inattention; an oversight.

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inadvertence British  

/ ˌɪnədˈvɜːtəns /

noun

1. lack of attention; heedlessness

2. an instance or an effect of being inadvertent; oversight; slip

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Etymology

Origin of inadvertence

From the Medieval Latin word inadvertentia, dating back to 1560–70. See inadvertency, -ence

Example Sentences

If what Goldstein committed was indeed mere "inadvertence," as the state bar investigator suggested, that wouldn't have been his first such error in protection of UC's cover-up of Agu's death.

From Salon • Apr. 23, 2023

So to date, we have intentionality versus inadvertence, obstruction versus cooperation—plain differences in law and ethics.

From Slate • Jan. 20, 2023

If that is the case, then that inadvertence is the only thing that is the same in the two cases.

From Seattle Times • Jan. 18, 2023

“As noted, willful violations are not common. When an ATF inspection reveals that regulatory violations are the result of inadvertence or administrative mistakes, and are not recurring or threatening to public safety,” the website says.

From Washington Times • Jun. 8, 2022

But we may easily be doing so now by inadvertence, for many chemicals, like radiation, bring about gene mutations.

From "Silent Spring" by Rachel Carson