ignorance

noun

ig·​no·​rance ˈig-n(ə-)rən(t)s How to pronounce ignorance (audio)
Synonyms of ignorance
: 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

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The failure of so many people to understand the basic facts about marginal tax rates is one of those little pockets of ignorance that manufacture Republican voters. Business Columnist, Los Angeles Times, 6 May 2026 Rather than implying ignorance, the silence becomes a constraint. Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 3 May 2026 Darling, who co-wrote her romantic thriller along with fellow Baha’i and husband Clark Donnelly, added the title for her Cast Aside the Clouds film came from a poem by Iranian writer Tahireh about replacing ignorance with world unity, a key tenet of the Baha’i faith. Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 1 May 2026 Like most of what Welch says, it’s based on willful ignorance and emotion rather than facts. Jon Root Outkick, FOXNews.com, 1 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for ignorance

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

Cite this Entry

“Ignorance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ignorance. Accessed 11 May. 2026.

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

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