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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.
But revenge and deadly violence tear down all the facades, confronting the survivors with the results of their willful complicity, studied ignorance and hubris. The Know, Denver Post, 30 Nov. 2025 The struggles against inhuman prejudice, against squalor, ignorance, and disease, have always owed a great deal to the determination and tenacity of women. Andrea Wurzburger, PEOPLE, 30 Nov. 2025 His pointed lyrics tackle such topics as ignorance, oppression, failed government policies in his homeland, wanton terrorism, the lasting ravages of French colonialism (which only ended in Niger in 2023), the exploitation of Africa’s natural resources and other timely topics. George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Nov. 2025 That initial ignorance became something of an asset. Liam Hess, Vogue, 26 Nov. 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 3 Dec. 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

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