obliviousness

[ uh-bliv-ee-uhs-nis ]

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.

Other Words From

• sem·i·ob·liv·i·ous·ness noun
• un·ob·liv·i·ous·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of obliviousness¹

First recorded in 1525–35; oblivious ( def ) + -ness ( def )

Example Sentences

“That reflects Herod’s obliviousness to the richness of nature. For me, he is one of these people who violate not only other people but the earth itself.”

From Seattle Times

The ostentatious coronation probably didn’t help a royal family already tarnished by Prince Harry, Prince Andrew, Netflix’s ‘The Crown’ and general obliviousness.

From Los Angeles Times

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

But as Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson said in her dissent to the June decision: “With let-them-eat-cake obliviousness, today, the majority pulls the ripcord and announces ‘colorblindness for all’ by legal fiat.

From Scientific American

In her opinion, the court’s conservative majority displayed a “let-them-eat-cake obliviousness” on the issue of race.

From New York Times