忽略 is a transitive verb meaning 'to overlook' or 'to disregard'—that is, to fail to notice, pay attention to, or consider something important. The character 忽 (hū) conveys suddenness or carelessness ('to neglect abruptly'), while 略 (lüè) means 'to omit' or 'to pass over briefly'. Together, they emphasize an unintentional or careless omission, often due to distraction, haste, or underestimation. It’s commonly used in contexts involving mistakes, responsibilities, warnings, or interpersonal communication.

This word carries a mildly negative connotation: the speaker implies that something worthy of attention was unjustifiably ignored. It’s frequently found in formal writing, advice, and feedback (e.g., reports, teacher comments, or self-reflection). Unlike casual synonyms like 没注意 (‘didn’t notice’), 忽略 suggests a more consequential oversight—not just sensory inattention, but a failure in judgment or diligence.