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

But the presumption of regularity is not an imperative of ignorance or a rule mandating that judges be ostriches. —Ruth Marcus, New Yorker, 14 Apr. 2025

This was the result of human ignorance, faulty assumptions, and limited evidence, much of it anecdotal. —Matthew Wills, JSTOR Daily, 11 Apr. 2025

At the root of these missteps is a fundamental issue: leadership ignorance. —Davide Sartini, Forbes.com, 8 Apr. 2025

In the opening scene of Season 3, Nicholas Duvernay’s character hurls expletives at a Buddha statue — encapsulating the character’s cultural ignorance while also foreshadowing how the retreat will be anything but peaceful for those seeking peace. —Viren Naidu, IndieWire, 2 Apr. 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