obliviousness

American  

[uh-bliv-ee-uhs-nis] / əˈblɪv i əs nɪs /

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.

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Other Word Forms

• semiobliviousness
  noun
• unobliviousness
  noun

Etymology

Origin of obliviousness

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.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 29, 2025

Identifying behaviors that make us recoil, like self-absorption and obliviousness, requires an ironic amount of self-reflection.

From New York Times • Jun. 3, 2023

Someday this chapter may be viewed as fascinating for its obliviousness and, from a public relations standpoint, its recklessness.

From Salon • Apr. 25, 2023

Throughout the book, Guns skewers the obliviousness of the privileged.

From Washington Post • Feb. 28, 2023

I was choking on guilt and memories and my own obliviousness.

From "Bye Forever, I Guess" by Jodi Meadows