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

The idea is that a guy goes back in time and his preconceived notions of history are completely different, and his modern ignorance gets the best of him. —Stuart Miller, Oc Register, 24 Feb. 2026

That is why the spirit of the most racist president in the last 125 years must be remembered so the hate and ignorance can never be repeated. —Gary Franks, Hartford Courant, 20 Feb. 2026

Mehdi Tafti, a neurophysiologist and a geneticist, said that the unsolved mystery of short sleepers reveals our ignorance about how sleep works. —Shayla Love, New Yorker, 18 Feb. 2026

Fishback later winkingly professed ignorance about the word. —Andrew Lapin, Sun Sentinel, 16 Feb. 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