inadvertence

noun

in·​ad·​ver·​tence ˌi-nəd-ˈvər-tᵊn(t)s 

1

: the fact or action of being inadvertent

2

: a result of inattention : oversight

Examples of inadvertence in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

As for inventions, accident and inadvertence played a role in the development of Post-it Notes and microwave heating. — Amanda Foreman, WSJ, 4 May 2018

The history of the game proceeded through intelligence, but also through inadvertence. — Jay Caspian Kang, New York Times, 28 Mar. 2017

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Medieval Latin inadvertentia, from Latin in- + advertent-, advertens, present participle of advertere to advert

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

inadvertence

noun

in·​ad·​ver·​tence ˌin-əd-ˈvərt-ᵊn(t)s 

1

: the fact or action of being inattentive

2

: a result of not paying attention : oversight

Legal Definition

inadvertence

noun

in·​ad·​ver·​tence ˌin-əd-ˈvərt-ᵊns 

: an accidental oversight (as failing to sign a form)