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

Blindness or willful ignorance of the future is an extremely risky path to pursue. —Patrick Casey, Debra Fiser, Whit Hall and Gary Wheeler Special To The Democrat-Gazette, arkansasonline.com, 9 Feb. 2025

The recent malicious defamation and degradation of DEI is based at best on ignorance and at worst, on racial bias and stereotyping. —Dr. Tony Lux, Chicago Tribune, 8 Feb. 2025

The armor shielding democracy from ignorance, propaganda and conspiracies starts with the local paper. —Contributed Content, Twin Cities, 6 Feb. 2025

Perhaps my words are not correct, many times due to ignorance or pure mistake. —Julian Sancton, The Hollywood Reporter, 31 Jan. 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