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

There is still time for Americans to create a new apogee before America 300 by rejecting the lies, insecurity, and ignorance endemic of the last quarter-century. — Michael E. Neagle, Hartford Courant, 8 Sep. 2026

This isn’t waste born of ignorance; these teams already have the dashboards. — Devendra Rajput, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2026

The answer is Asia—if both sides can overcome their mutual ignorance. — Barrett Bingley, Fortune, 7 Sep. 2026

Ascherson chose a life, with its focus on seeing as much of the world as possible, that functioned as a reproach to that kind of ignorance. — Isaac Chotiner, New Yorker, 3 Sep. 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