inadvertence

American  

[in-uhd-vur-tns] / ˌɪn ədˈvɜr tns /

noun

1. the quality or condition of being inadvertent; heedlessness.

2. the act or effect of inattention; an oversight.

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inadvertence British  

/ ˌɪnədˈvɜːtəns /

noun

1. lack of attention; heedlessness

2. an instance or an effect of being inadvertent; oversight; slip

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Etymology

Origin of inadvertence

From the Medieval Latin word inadvertentia, dating back to 1560–70. See inadvertency, -ence

Example Sentences

“Do we know that his failure to comply beyond reasonable doubt wasn’t the result of accident, inadvertence or mistake?” he said.

From Seattle Times • Sep. 7, 2023

If what Goldstein committed was indeed mere "inadvertence," as the state bar investigator suggested, that wouldn't have been his first such error in protection of UC's cover-up of Agu's death.

From Salon • Apr. 23, 2023

So to date, we have intentionality versus inadvertence, obstruction versus cooperation—plain differences in law and ethics.

From Slate • Jan. 20, 2023

“As noted, willful violations are not common. When an ATF inspection reveals that regulatory violations are the result of inadvertence or administrative mistakes, and are not recurring or threatening to public safety,” the website says.

From Washington Times • Jun. 8, 2022

But we may easily be doing so now by inadvertence, for many chemicals, like radiation, bring about gene mutations.

From "Silent Spring" by Rachel Carson