adjective Uncommon

oblivious

uh-BLIH-vee-uhs

Oblivious (adjective) means not aware of something happening around you. Example: “She was completely oblivious to the stares she was getting.”

adjective

Not aware of something happening around you.

"She was completely oblivious to the stares she was getting."

"He walked on, oblivious to the traffic building up behind him."

How to use oblivious

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishNot noticing or realising what's going on around you.

Common mistake

Usually followed by "to" ("oblivious to the danger"), not "of."

Common pairings

oblivious to blissfully oblivious

more oblivious comparative, most oblivious superlative

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She was completely _____ to the stares she was getting.

From Latin obliviosus, "forgetful," from oblivium ("forgetfulness").

Origin: Latin

yous nous pious joyous heinous ominous curious anxious copious tenuous tedious spurious

What does “oblivious” mean?

The word “oblivious” means not aware of something happening around you. In plain terms, not noticing or realising what's going on around you.

How do you pronounce “oblivious”?

“Oblivious” is pronounced uh-BLIH-vee-uhs (/əˈblɪviːəs/ in IPA).

How do you use “oblivious” in a sentence?

Here is “oblivious” used in a sentence: “She was completely oblivious to the stares she was getting.”

What part of speech is “oblivious”?

“Oblivious” is an adjective.

Where does the word “oblivious” come from?

The word “oblivious” comes from Latin. From Latin obliviosus, "forgetful," from oblivium ("forgetfulness").

Is “oblivious” a common word?

“Oblivious” is an uncommon word in modern English.