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 Words From

• sem·i·ob·liv·i·ous·ness noun
• un·ob·liv·i·ous·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of obliviousness¹

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

Example Sentences

He is the peak representation of the Bayside rich kids who are too oblivious to realize not everyone has it like them.

From Washington Post

Equally, they could be oblivious to threats to brand safety such as advertising next to a suddenly negative subject area they hadn’t anticipated.

From Digiday

Stocks in what should be the “election-sensitive” sectors seem oblivious to which candidate wins.

From Fortune

As overhyped as it was in terms of tanking Sarah Palin’s image with voters, Tina Fey’s portrayal of Palin was devastating at digging into just how oblivious she was.

From Vox

A man barrels forward, seemingly oblivious to you, and you are forced to step aside.

From MIT Technology Review

Nolte's Breitbart report on Dunham's "Barry" reeks of obliviousness.

From The Daily Beast

In spite of his efforts to pretend obliviousness Mayo stared hard at the companionway, eager to look on the face of the girl.

From Project Gutenberg

The thought flashes over him suddenly as he looks at her keenly, taking advantage of her momentary obliviousness of his presence.

From Project Gutenberg

They swaggered each his own way, one by extra obliviousness, another with a flourish of gesture.

From Project Gutenberg

Mrs. Brimmer received this speech with the languid obliviousness of perception she usually meted out to this chartered jester.

From Project Gutenberg

He was in that mood of vacant obliviousness of the ordinary affairs of life which long drifting on calm seas induces.

From Project Gutenberg