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

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 But always, the president ruled the kingdom with a destructive mix of arrogance, ignorance and indifference. Jon Wilner, The Mercury News, 17 Feb. 2024 But this is one of several subjects about which Stenger claims ignorance. Sheelah Kolhatkar, The New Yorker, 29 Jan. 2024 This willful ignorance is geopolitically self-destructive and irresponsible, as today’s world order is determined by the productive and innovative power of a nation’s human capital, which drives national wealth. Roy Swan, Fortune, 15 Jan. 2024 Deservingly so, Ye lost endorsements and fans for his ignorance and hateful comments. Carl Lamarre, Billboard, 21 Feb. 2024 As an academic economist who spends a great deal of my professional time teaching economics, I am stunned at the volume of economic ignorance. Eleanor Dearman, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 Feb. 2024 In this twist of irony, the decentralized financial movement landed ended up with central actors like exchanges operating with impunity, under the ignorance of the consumer marketplace. Korok Ray, Forbes, 15 Feb. 2024 He gets lost in his own answers and projects a novel mixture of arrogance and nearly complete ignorance of any issue that calls for reasoning. Jim Newton, The Mercury News, 15 Feb. 2024 At Elmhurst there is support, but while well intended, it’s also laced with the reverse kind of ignorance about the intricacies of Anthony’s background. Carlos Aguilar, Variety, 9 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'ignorance.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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 19 Mar. 2024.

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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