ignorance

noun

ig·​no·​rance ˈig-n(ə-)rən(t)s 

: 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

Synonyms of ignorance

• unfamiliarity
• innocence
• unawareness
• cluelessness
• nescience
• obliviousness

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

For Hevalow, that perspective wasn’t born out of ignorance of the dangers — it was reinforced by surviving them. — Latif Love july 9, Kansas City Star, 9 July 2026

What’s interesting in this context is the ignorance portrayed by financial teams with respect to building core strategies. — Dr. Saheer Nelliparamban, Forbes.com, 7 July 2026

And ignorance — or, in the case of some people and/or bots on social media, denial that this is a thing at all — is not an excuse. — David Aldridge, New York Times, 4 July 2026

The forces of ignorance and grift even managed to turn parts of Americans against vaccines, arguably the single most life-saving medical invention in human history. — Eric Berger, ArsTechnica, 3 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing ignorance

• blissful ignorance
• ignorance is bliss
• plead ignorance
• tools of ignorance

Kids Definition

ignorance

noun

ig·​no·​rance ˈig-nə-rən(t)s 

: the state or fact of being ignorant : lack of knowledge, education, or awareness