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

Example Sentences

His racist attitudes were born out of ignorance. an appalling ignorance about other cultures
Recent Examples on the Web If this film manages to raise awareness in the audience of this injustice, then at least that ignorance will stop. Scott Roxborough, The Hollywood Reporter, 24 Mar. 2023 At this point, though, any surprises from Reaves are probably the result of ignorance to his game. Dan Woike, Los Angeles Times, 19 Mar. 2023 The Republic’s investigation into NFL players’ charities reveals a systemic issue – not widespread corruption, but ignorance leading to inefficiency obscured by marketing hype. Jason Wolf, The Arizona Republic, 6 Mar. 2023 Director Rian Johnson winkingly hung a 1961 Mark Rothko abstraction upside down, as a nod to Bron’s bloviating ignorance. Jay Cheshes, Robb Report, 4 Mar. 2023 Private, independent schools have reason to be apprehensive of ignorance masquerading as a cure-all. Dallas News, 1 Mar. 2023 The number of patients with advanced stages of prostate cancer has skyrocketed throughout the past decade, and men's ignorance about their prostate health is the key reason behind this. Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 22 Feb. 2023 The push for renewables such as wind and solar to displace oil prove an energy ignorance that can only come from a country where one in four adults think the Sun orbits the Earth. Jude Clemente, Forbes, 19 Feb. 2023 Because of them, some states will raise children with stunted educations, inviting all of the dangers that ignorance makes more likely. Globe Columnist, BostonGlobe.com, 18 Feb. 2023 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'ignorance.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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

Dictionary Entries Near ignorance

Cite this Entry

“Ignorance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ignorance. Accessed 29 Mar. 2023.

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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