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

Keenan had spent time in the Peace Corps and had drifted around the world afterward, coming away with the conception that Americans’ ignorance of other cultures had led the country directly into the wood chipper of Vietnam. —Jack Crosbie, Rolling Stone, 17 Mar. 2026

To believe or support this is pure ignorance. —Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 16 Mar. 2026

Don’t let the fact that Italy’s unexpected heroics allowed Team USA to back into a quarterfinal spot erase the embarrassment of an all-too-telling admission of ignorance by DeRosa. —Hannah Keyser, CNN Money, 12 Mar. 2026

Austen’s ideal romantic relationships are never founded on ignorance or lies. —Literary Hub, 11 Mar. 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