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

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.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 31, 2023

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

Rant to those few whose reckless obliviousness will never be curbed by any conditions.

From Seattle Times • Jan. 8, 2023

Jefferson’s posture throughout the drawn-out counting of the electoral votes remained a combination of studied indifference and calculated obliviousness.

From "Founding Brothers: The Revolutionary Generation" by Joseph J. Ellis