obliviousness

[uh-bliv-ee-uhs-nis]

noun

1. the fact or state of being unconscious, unaware, or unmindful.

   Her utter obliviousness to her own lack of personal hygiene was the most remarkable thing about her.

2. the fact or state of being without remembrance of something; forgetfulness.

   Obliviousness to our past errors, and lack of resolve about our future action, are keeping us from moving forward.

Other Word Forms

• semiobliviousness noun
• unobliviousness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of obliviousness¹

First recorded in 1525–35; oblivious ( def. ) + -ness ( def. )

Example Sentences

He notes the predicament the “Better Call Saul” writers sometimes faced in placing Jimmy/Saul and Kim, who knew each other so well, in dramatic situations that ordinarily would require more obliviousness or willing unawareness.

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“That reflects Herod’s obliviousness to the richness of nature. For me, he is one of these people who violate not only other people but the earth itself.”

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The ostentatious coronation probably didn’t help a royal family already tarnished by Prince Harry, Prince Andrew, Netflix’s ‘The Crown’ and general obliviousness.

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But Land’s purported obliviousness to her own body feels like an easy way to avoid an honest reckoning with her own conflicted relationship to parenthood.

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But as Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson said in her dissent to the June decision: “With let-them-eat-cake obliviousness, today, the majority pulls the ripcord and announces ‘colorblindness for all’ by legal fiat.

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