Oblivious - Word of the Day for IELTS Writing and Speaking

Whether you are about to describe people who are unaware of a problem, disconnected from their environment, or simply not paying attention, this word “oblivious” is the perfect pick. 

A great IELTS band score depends not only on grammar and coherence but also on a person’s ability to use precise and perfect vocabulary. The choice of words must express their ideas with fluency and confidence. 

So why wait? In this blog, you will learn the meaning, origin, etc. of “Oblivious,” to use it confidently! 

Meaning of “Oblivious”

The word “Oblivious” is an adjective that means completely unconscious, unaware, or not noticing something that is happening around you. The word describes a lack of awareness, either of the environment, a scene, or even a person’s own behaviour.

For example:

“She walked across the road, oblivious to the approaching traffic.”

Origin of the Word “Oblivious”

The word “oblivious” has its roots in the Latin word “oblivisci,” which means “to forget.” Over the period, it evolved through the Late Latin language and Middle English into its latest meaning of being unaware or inattentive. 

Although first linked to forgetfulness, this word now commonly refers to not noticing things rather than completely failing to remember them. Its historical evolution shows the human tendency to drift into unawareness and a concept that remains relevant in modern communication and behaviour.

Using “Oblivious” in the IELTS Writing Task 2

“Oblivious” as a word can be really effective in the task 2 essays that discuss social issues, technology, safety, or modern lifestyles. This can help you express the idea that people overlook certain important matters or remain unaware of the consequences of their behaviour or actions.

Examples for the IELTS Writing Task 2:

• “Many individuals are oblivious to the long-term environmental consequences of their daily habits.”
• “Youngsters these days are often oblivious to the dangers of excessive screen time.”
• “Governments cannot remain oblivious to rising inequality, since it threatens social stability.”
• “The walkers in front crossed the ledge easily, seemingly oblivious to the fact that there was a 3000-foot drop on either side.”

Using the word “oblivious” shows your ability to describe human behaviour with proper insight and precision.

Using “Oblivious” in the IELTS Speaking

In the IELTS Speaking, “oblivious” can help you describe people, scenes, situations or personal experiences in a fluent and natural way. This works especially well in the Speaking Part 2 and Part 3 when talking about how people behave or react.

Examples for the IELTS Speaking:

• “She was completely oblivious to the time and ended up missing my train.”
• “Many people are oblivious to the loud noises around them when they are wearing headphones.”
• “Kids these days can be so focused on playing that they become oblivious to everything else.”
• “He was reading a newspaper, apparently oblivious to the contribution he was making to the traffic chaos.”
• “How could a self-styled poet be so oblivious to taste?”

Common Collocations Related to the Word “Oblivious”

• oblivious to danger
• oblivious to their surroundings
• oblivious to noise
• oblivious to criticism
• oblivious to the consequences
• utterly oblivious 

Common Mistakes When Using “Oblivious”

A frequent mistake is using “oblivious” as if it means “ignorant” or “uneducated.” The word does not describe a lack of knowledge but a lack of awareness. Another error is using it for situations where people are aware but choose to ignore something. Obliviousness is not intentional; it implies unintentional unawareness.

• Incorrect: “He was oblivious about the rules even though he learned them.”
• Correct: “He was oblivious to the rules because he did not pay attention.”
• Incorrect: “They were oblivious to the issue.”
• Correct: “They were oblivious to the issue.”

Synonyms of “Oblivious”

• unaware
• unmindful
• ignorant of
• inattentive
• blind to
• distracted

Antonyms of “Oblivious”

• aware
• alert
• conscious
• attentive
• observant
• mindful

Sample Sentences Based on the Word “Oblivious”

• “Tourists lately often become oblivious to their surroundings while taking photographs.”
• “He was so engrossed in the book that he remained oblivious to the loud conversation next to him.”
• “Most people are oblivious to the impact of their online behaviour on privacy.”
• “She continued speaking, oblivious to the fact that no one was hearing whatever she was saying.”
• “The organisation cannot afford to be oblivious to changing market conditions.”

Practice Exercise - Oblivious 

Match the word below to complete these sentences.

(obnoxious, virtuous, canopy, oblivious, scruff, extracted)

1. He ate on, ………………… to the storms he was stirring into the air around him.
2. I have been in restaurants where the human customers have been loud, rude and …………………
3. As though some enormous beast nuzzled her, then picked her up in its mouth by the ……………. of her neck.
4. The story repeats the theme of the unfaithful husband and ……………… wife.
5. Glasses and ceramics …………….. from the regolith may be used as structural materials, paving blocks, or windows.
6. It was cool under the ………….. and there was less light than Rostov had expected.

Answer Key - Oblivious

1. oblivious
2. obnoxious
3. scruff
4. virtuous
5. extracted
6. canopy

Useful Links:

• Intractable: Word Meaning, Examples, Origin & Usage in IELTS
• Woes - Word Of The Day For IELTS Speaking And Writing
• Obsolete - Word of the Day for IELTS Speaking and Writing
• Debase - Word of the Day for IELTS Speaking & Writing