Oblivion

/əˈblɪviən/

Meaning & Definition

noun
The state of being unaware or unconscious of what is happening around one.
After the accident, he fell into a deep oblivion, completely unaware of his surroundings.
The state of being forgotten or disregarded.
The once famous author has faded into oblivion, his works now rarely read.
Total forgetfulness; the act or fact of forgetting.
The decision was made to let the past mistakes drift into oblivion.

Etymology

Middle English, from Latin oblivion-, oblivio, from oblivisci 'to forget'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

into oblivion:
Into a state of complete forgetfulness or extinction.
fade into oblivion:
To gradually disappear, be forgotten, or become less significant.

Related Words

Slang Meanings

A state of disconnection from reality, often due to intoxication.
After that party, I was in total oblivion the next day.
Being totally zoned out or absorbed in one's thoughts.
He was in oblivion, not even hearing his name being called.