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

• benightedness
• cluelessness
• incognizance
• innocence
• nescience
• obliviousness
• unawareness
• unfamiliarity

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

This Better-Than List calls out those films and filmmakers who triumphed, defeating those who subjugated moviegoers to fear, bias, and ignorance. —Armond White, National Review, 8 Jan. 2025

Specialty nurseries devoted to breeding, growing and selling rare and unusual plants are slowly disappearing in Southern California, due to high real estate costs and waning interest (or ignorance) from gardeners and landscape designers. —Jeanette Marantos, Los Angeles Times, 1 Jan. 2025

There are complaints from the Russian army that North Korean soldiers are becoming a burden due to their ignorance in drones, Lee added after the briefing. —Joohee Cho, ABC News, 18 Dec. 2024

Another issue may stem from simple ignorance rather than intentional judgment. —Libby Ryan, Parents, 20 Dec. 2024

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