ignorance

noun

ig·​no·​rance ˈig-n(ə-)rən(t)s How to pronounce ignorance (audio)
Synonyms of ignorance
: 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

Synonyms of ignorance

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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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The lawsuit, organized by the attorneys general of 29 US states, alleged that Meta executives like Mark Zuckerberg created a system that abused data collected from minors, while feigning ignorance about the harms their platforms caused. — Joe Wilkins, Futurism, 27 Aug. 2026 Carried away by Serb dominance in firepower and international ignorance, Mladic was convinced of his final victory. — Jovana Gec, Los Angeles Times, 27 Aug. 2026 Just as Fisher was able to glean something new about David Beckham through his ignorance of the England star’s football career, Macdonald got under Guardiola’s skin by using his disinterest in the sport as a superpower. — Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 21 Aug. 2026 Officials say ignorance leads to hate crimes and a misunderstanding of Islam persists. — Carolyn Gusoff, CBS News, 17 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for ignorance

Word History

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of ignorance was in the 13th century

Phrases Containing ignorance

Browse Nearby Words

ignoramus waltz
ignorance
ignorance is bliss
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Ignorance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ignorance. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

ignorance

noun
ig·​no·​rance ˈig-nə-rən(t)s How to pronounce ignorance (audio)
: the state or fact of being ignorant : lack of knowledge, education, or awareness

More from Merriam-Webster on ignorance

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about ignorance

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