oblivion

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "oblivion" is an acceptable and widely used word in English.
It can be used as both a noun and an adjective to mean "the state of being completely forgotten or unknown." For example, "The ancient kings of Sumer quickly sank into oblivion."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A Labour-led coalition will lack legitimacy in England and, if it is governing from a clear second-place, it might be better to seek a second election than to first walk into power and then into oblivion.

The Guardian

Few in the optimistic crowd guessed that the "crossover" would be into potential oblivion.

The Guardian

The biggest story to emerge about X Factor in 2011 seems to be the story of X Factor itself, and its apparently irreversible slide into oblivion.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

But we have graphic quotes to prove that Labor only turned back to Rudd under the most extreme duress - constant and unwavering polling indicating almost certain political oblivion.

The Guardian

And yet, while members of contemporary bands fell by the wayside - some into career obscurity, others into drug-hazed oblivion - Brown picked himself up, dusted himself down and, unbowed and self-possessed, confounded his critics.

The Guardian - Music

Taylor was reprinted by the admirable Virago in the 1980s and 1990s, but has rather lapsed back into oblivion.

The Guardian - Books

But I say his father should be proud of the son who refused to accept the oblivion of his hometown and is working so hard to write his own happy ending.

The Guardian

Porter warns: "For Lib Dems it is electoral oblivion unless they stick to their word and use this golden opportunity to prevent a fee hike".

The Guardian

One response to the shame of exclusion and marginalisation is violence, which enacts revenge at the same moment that it lifts the person out of oblivion.

The Guardian

Now the magazine has taken matters into its own hands and saved its archive from some kind of pious oblivion.

The Guardian - Opinion

If you believed everything you read or heard about the health service lately, you could be forgiven for thinking the NHS and everyone involved in it is on a fast-track journey to oblivion.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "oblivion" to describe a state of being forgotten or the process of falling into that state. It is useful in discussing historical events, personal memories, or abstract concepts that risk fading away.

Common error

While "oblivion" implies forgetfulness, it carries a stronger connotation of being utterly lost or destroyed. Avoid using it when simple forgetfulness or a temporary lapse in memory is meant.

Linguistic Context

Oblivion functions primarily as a noun, denoting the state of being completely forgotten or unknown. Ludwig AI shows examples where it signifies both a process (fading into oblivion) and a state (existing in oblivion). It can also refer to complete destruction or non-existence.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "oblivion" is a versatile noun referring to the state of being completely forgotten, unknown, or destroyed. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use across various contexts. While it's most frequently found in News & Media, it also appears in Formal & Business and Science-related content. When using "oblivion", remember that it carries a stronger connotation of being utterly lost than simple forgetfulness. Related concepts include "forgetfulness" and "obscurity", but "oblivion" emphasizes a sense of finality and complete erasure.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

state of being forgotten

Emphasizes the condition of being no longer remembered.

state of forgetfulness

Focuses on the mental state of being forgotten or unaware.

utter extinction

Highlights the complete disappearance or end of something.

descent into obscurity

Highlights the process of fading into a state of being unknown.

annihilation

Indicates complete destruction or obliteration.

the void

Emphasizes emptiness.

state of nothingness

Refers to the condition of non-existence or emptiness.

total destruction

Focuses on the act of complete devastation.

eternal darkness

Evokes a sense of permanent absence or ignorance.

irrecoverable loss

Highlights the inability to retrieve what is lost, implying a form of forgetting.

FAQs

How can I use "oblivion" in a sentence?

You can use "oblivion" to describe something that is completely forgotten or destroyed, as in "The names of the conspirators were consigned to oblivion."

What words are similar to "oblivion"?

Similar words include "forgetfulness", "obscurity", "extinction", and "nothingness", each carrying slightly different nuances.

Is it correct to say something is 'in oblivion' or 'to oblivion'?

Both are correct depending on the context. "In oblivion" describes the state of being forgotten, while "to oblivion" implies a process of being consigned or fading into that state.

What's the difference between "oblivion" and "amnesia"?

"Oblivion" refers to the state of being forgotten by others or by time, while "amnesia" is a medical condition characterized by memory loss in an individual.