ignorance

noun

ig·​no·​rance ˈig-n(ə-)rən(t)s 

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

Synonyms

• benightedness
• cluelessness
• incognizance
• innocence
• nescience
• obliviousness
• unawareness
• unfamiliarity

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 no excuse for ignorance, don’t blame the schools for not teaching it. —Letters To The Editor, Hartford Courant, 5 July 2024

How valuable is enlightenment about my own ignorance compared with the concrete harm of emissions and supporting states with unjust laws? —Chelsea Leu, The Atlantic, 30 June 2024

Crowe thinks this feather-raising encounter nicely exemplifies his ignorance toward the spiritual world. —Wesley Stenzel, EW.com, 14 June 2024

In hearings, lawmakers have shown an almost comic ignorance of how things work in the digital era. —Karen Tumulty, Washington Post, 28 June 2024

Word History

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing ignorance

• blissful ignorance
• ignorance is bliss
• in ignorance of
• 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