noun

omission

uh-MISH-un/əˈmɪʃn/

The act of leaving something out or something left out.

The missing number three is an omission in the sequence.

A row of numbered place cards 1,2,4,5 with an empty place where3should be; only these clear numerals.

Etymology

oLatinperhaps adds emphasis

+missLatinlet go, send

+ionLatinact or process

“Let go,” with a prefix that may be intensive, developed the figurative sense “lay aside, disregard.” An omission is the act or result of leaving something out.

In context

The 1928 Club337:15

Having forgotten to mention this, when she had last seen Sergeant Cuff, my mistress now desired me to supply the omission.

The Moonstone by Wilkie Collins | Part 1: The Loss of the Diamond | Full Audiobook

More examples

She checks the report for errors and omissions.
His silence is a deliberate omission of an important fact.
The missing date is the document's most serious omission.

Forms

omission · omissions

Similar words

exclusion: May imply deliberately keeping something out rather than accidentally leaving it out.
oversight: An oversight is an accidental failure to notice or include; an omission can also be deliberate.