ignorance

[ ig-ner-uhns ]

noun

1. the state or fact of being ignorant; lack of knowledge, learning, information, etc.

ignorance

/ ˈɪɡnərəns /

noun

1. lack of knowledge, information, or education; the state of being ignorant

Other Words From

• self-igno·rance noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of ignorance¹

First recorded in 1175–1225; Middle English word from Latin word ignōrantia. See ignore, -ance

Example Sentences

A significant mystery in the movie involves a rumor about which the implicated party insistently claims both ignorance and innocence.

From Salon

“This movement to protect the innocence of our children believes if children never read it in a book they won’t have to know about it and can go on to lead harmonious lives. But books teach us cautionary tales. They instruct us. You can’t protect innocence through ignorance.”

From Los Angeles Times

The Supreme Court decision came down in 2012, so the Project 2025 authors don’t have much of an excuse for their ignorance of the facts.

From Los Angeles Times

But beneath that is a simmering anger about ministers’ perceived ignorance about the countryside - and a sense from many farmers of being persistently let down, by this government and its predecessors.

From BBC

But in private, they ridiculed his ignorance, rolled their eyes at his antics, and made incisive observations about his warped, toddlerlike psyche.

From Slate

Related Words

• benightedness
• blindness
• nescience
• unawareness