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

• 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 holiday also commemorates the triumph of knowledge over ignorance centuries ago. —Angela Chitkara, Fortune, 18 Oct. 2025

Lyra’s quest to understand Dust brings her into confrontation with human and other worldly forces who champion moral absolutism over imagination, ignorance over knowledge, authoritarianism over free will and cold, disinterested rationality over empathy. —Literary Hub, 17 Oct. 2025

Sure thing, man, operate from a position of ignorance. —Bill Goodykoontz, AZCentral.com, 14 Oct. 2025

Anything other than that is coming from people’s ignorance. —Isabela Raygoza, Billboard, 13 Oct. 2025

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