ignorance

noun

ig·​no·​rance ˈig-n(ə-)rən(t)s How to pronounce ignorance (audio)
: the state or fact of being ignorant : lack of knowledge, education, or awareness
Ignorance of the law is no excuse for violating it.
made decisions in ignorance of [=without knowing] the true situation

Examples of ignorance in a Sentence

His racist attitudes were born out of ignorance. an appalling ignorance about other cultures
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
During which Helm suffered loneliness, inconsequence and ignorance – an original and terrible fugue state. Literary Hub, 3 Nov. 2025 The ignorance, the hubris, the lies, the perfidy. Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 31 Oct. 2025 Advertisement In many ways, Nebraska is an album reckoning with his father’s mental health struggles, heavy drinking, verbal abuse, and ignorance toward the family. Jake Kring-Schreifels, Time, 24 Oct. 2025 At what point does ignorance stop being an excuse? Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 22 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for ignorance

Word History

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of ignorance was in the 13th century

Cite this Entry

“Ignorance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ignorance. Accessed 7 Nov. 2025.

Kids Definition

ignorance

noun
ig·​no·​rance ˈig-nə-rən(t)s How to pronounce ignorance (audio)
: the state or fact of being ignorant : lack of knowledge, education, or awareness

More from Merriam-Webster on ignorance

Last Updated: - Definition revised
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!