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
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
Others’ unhinged ignorance can be fun.
—
Eugenie Brinkema, ARTnews.com, 14 June 2026
Their dominance was upended by their ignorance.
—Jared Weiss, New York Times, 14 June 2026
Final negotiations on ‘Peace’ are proceeding, subject to ignorance or stupidity getting in its way.
—Ananya Chetia, CNBC, 8 June 2026
From this follow both the political dimension and a certain form of ignorance as to the source of so much unhappiness—and not only on the family front.
—Nina Mesfin, New Yorker, 7 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for ignorance
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Eugenie Brinkema, ARTnews.com, 14 June 2026
Their dominance was upended by their ignorance.
—Jared Weiss, New York Times, 14 June 2026
Final negotiations on ‘Peace’ are proceeding, subject to ignorance or stupidity getting in its way.
—Ananya Chetia, CNBC, 8 June 2026
From this follow both the political dimension and a certain form of ignorance as to the source of so much unhappiness—and not only on the family front.
—Nina Mesfin, New Yorker, 7 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for ignorance
Cite this Entry
“Ignorance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ignorance. Accessed 20 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
ignorance
noun
ig·no·rance
ˈig-nə-rən(t)s
: the state or fact of being ignorant : lack of knowledge, education, or awareness
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