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omission

Noun

pl: omissions

This term describes a gap or a void created by the absence of something that should be present. It carries a neutral tone when referring to simple mistakes in a text, but shifts toward a negative or critical connotation when the absence implies negligence or a deliberate attempt to hide information. In legal and ethical contexts, the word specifically denotes a failure to act. This distinguishes it from a commission, which is the act of doing something wrong; an omission is the wrong committed by doing nothing.

Meanings

Noun

The act of leaving something out, whether intentionally or accidentally.

"The omission of his name from the list was a serious mistake."

Noun

Something that has been left out or excluded from a piece of writing, a conversation, or a set of data.

"The editor noted several glaring omissions in the historical account."

Noun

A failure to do something that one is legally or morally obligated to do.

"The lawyer argued that the accident was caused by the driver's omission of a required safety check."

Last Updated: June 13, 2026•Report an Error