omission

noun

omis·​sion ō-ˈmi-shən 

ə-

1

a

: something neglected or left undone

There are a few omissions in the list.

b

: apathy toward or neglect of duty

The police officer was reprimanded for the omission of his duty to inform the suspect of his rights.

2

: the act of omitting : the state of being omitted

Her omission from the team was surprising.

Synonyms of omission

• deletion

Examples of omission in a Sentence

There are a few omissions in the list.

the disk contains a selection of deleted scenes, and a couple of the omissions greatly add to the intelligibility of the movie's plot

Recent Examples on the Web

This was a really intriguing spirit, with earthy, sour, ripe fruit notes, and zero smoke (an intentional omission, as Lopez-Sela believes smoke can mask the true character of the agave). —Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 2 Mar. 2026

If the deficit issue’s current momentum starts rallying voters in a big way a la 1992, Trump’s omission may prove a big mistake. —Shawn Tully, Fortune, 1 Mar. 2026

The Justice Department has said materials may have been excluded because of privilege, duplication or ongoing investigations, while critics argue the omissions may violate the transparency law’s requirement that records not be withheld for political sensitivity or reputational harm. —Nik Popli, Time, 28 Feb. 2026

The challenge argues that the omission meant the public would not be able to review his criminal record. —Joseph States, Chicago Tribune, 27 Feb. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English omissioun, from Anglo-French omission, from Late Latin omission-, omissio, from Latin omittere

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for omission

• addition
• admission
• ambition
• attrition
• audition
• clinician
• cognition
• coition
• commission
• condition
• contrition
• dentition

Kids Definition

omission

noun

omis·​sion ō-ˈmish-ən 

ə-

1

: something omitted

2

: the act of omitting : the state of being omitted

Legal Definition

omission

noun

omis·​sion ō-ˈmi-shən 

1

: something neglected, left out, or left undone

2

: the act, fact, or state of leaving something out or failing to do something especially that is required by duty, procedure, or law

liable for a criminal act or omission