obliviousness
Americannoun
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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.
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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
Etymology
Origin of obliviousness
First recorded in 1525–35; oblivious ( def. ) + -ness ( def. )
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Pigossi’s self-obsessed novelist, however, is perfectly pitched in his all-around obliviousness.
From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 3, 2025
Someday this chapter may be viewed as fascinating for its obliviousness and, from a public relations standpoint, its recklessness.
From Salon • Apr. 25, 2023
Ignorance indicates unfamiliarity or obliviousness and can come from a genuine lack of knowledge.
From Washington Post • Mar. 30, 2023
Rant to those few whose reckless obliviousness will never be curbed by any conditions.
From Seattle Times • Jan. 8, 2023
“It is the obliviousness of our children that saves us.”
From "All the Light We Cannot See" by Anthony Doerr
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
