omission
oh-MISH-uhn
/əʊˈmɪʃ.ən/
Someone or something that has been left out or excluded; a failure to do something that one gets bound or required to do.
In legal context, liability often stems not from an affirmative action (commission), but from failing to act (omission).
The story behind the word. From Late Latin omissio, from omittere ('to let fall or disregard'), combining ob- ('away') and mittere ('to send or let go'). In law, it describes a party letting a duty slip away by failing to act.
Word relationships
- exclusion: Exclusion implies actively shutting something out, whereas omission can be an unintentional failure to include or act.
- oversight: An oversight is an accidental skip, whereas omission can be accidental or deliberate.
- commission: Commission is the active performing of an act, as opposed to an omission.
- inclusion: Inclusion is the act of adding or keeping something in.
Commonly confused with
- emission: Omission is leaving something out or failing to act; emission is discharging gas, radiation, or substances.
Word family
- omit (verb): To leave out or fail to do
- omitted (adjective): Left out or unperformed
Collocations
- act or omission
- negligent omission
- glaring omission
- errors and omissions
Example sentences
- "The omission of safety guarantees in the supply contract left the buyer exposed to financial loss." Contractual dispute
- "Legal liability can arise from a harmful act or a negligent omission when a duty to act exists." Legal liability assessment
Memory hook
OMIT + ION = the act of OMITTING or skipping a step. Failing to act when required.
When not to use
Do not confuse with 'emission' (the act of sending out gas or light).
Fun facts
- Insurance policies for professionals often include 'Errors and Omissions' (E&O) coverage to protect against accidental mistakes or missed steps.
Related words
Explore more words
remiss, inattention, obligation, negligent, Exempt, dereliction
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