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

Obliviousness will seriously slow your reaction time, so during these times, window shades should be up and noise-canceling headphones and sleep masks set aside.

From Slate • Mar. 14, 2025

But Last Man is not the only game of its type, a genre that lacks a name, giving us the opportunity to dub them Tests of Obliviousness.

From The New Yorker • Feb. 13, 2015

Obliviousness pulses now with a willful, aggressive glow -- a sort of active impatience, a passion to escape knowing.

From Time Magazine Archive

Holmes believed in a sort of Doctrine of Discriminating Obliviousness.

From Time Magazine Archive