oblivious
What does "oblivious" mean?
To be oblivious means to be completely unaware or unmindful of what is happening around you. Think of someone walking through a beautiful park while staring so intently at their phone that they do not notice the sunset, the birds, or even the person waving at them from a bench. It is often used when someone misses social cues or fails to see the obvious consequences of their actions. While "unaware" implies a lack of information, "oblivious" suggests a lack of attention or a state of being "checked out" from the immediate environment.
"oblivious" in conversation
Party awkwardness
Did you see Dave trying to flirt with Chloe all night?
Did you see Dave trying to flirt with Chloe all night?
He was totally oblivious to the fact that she was wearing an engagement ring.
He was totally oblivious to the fact that she was wearing an engagement ring.
Used to describe missing a very clear social signal.
Work distraction
I’ve been standing here for five minutes waiting for you to finish that email.
I’ve been standing here for five minutes waiting for you to finish that email.
Oh! Sorry, I was so focused I was completely oblivious to the room.
Oh! Sorry, I was so focused I was completely oblivious to the room.
Used to explain being overly absorbed in a task.
"oblivious" in a sentence
He was oblivious to the rain starting to fall.
He was oblivious to the rain starting to fall.
She remained oblivious to the growing tension between her colleagues.
She remained oblivious to the growing tension between her colleagues.
The company seemed blissfully oblivious to the impending market shift that would soon make their products obsolete.
The company seemed blissfully oblivious to the impending market shift that would soon make their products obsolete.
