ignorance
noun
ig·no·rance
ˈig-n(ə-)rən(t)s 
: 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
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 isn't to say America doesn't have problems, or that both political parties aren't far too polarized – but this kind of negativity reeks of ignorance and hubris.
—
Nicole Russell,
USA Today,
2 July 2026
Fear, like ignorance, shuts our eyes to and paralyzes our trust in God’s omnipotence, omniscience, and unfailing love for His children, whereas the understanding of God’s ever-present goodness removes the fear that generates suffering.
—
André Kisonga,
Christian Science Monitor,
30 June 2026
The once-vaunted values of public life are now reduced to the lower standards of private life—venality, vulgarity, rudeness, incontinence, and ignorance.
—
Simon Sebag Montefiore,
The Atlantic,
28 June 2026
Not the innocence of ignorance.
—
Anthony Scaramucci,
Fortune,
28 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for ignorance
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Nicole Russell,
USA Today,
2 July 2026
Fear, like ignorance, shuts our eyes to and paralyzes our trust in God’s omnipotence, omniscience, and unfailing love for His children, whereas the understanding of God’s ever-present goodness removes the fear that generates suffering.
—
André Kisonga,
Christian Science Monitor,
30 June 2026
The once-vaunted values of public life are now reduced to the lower standards of private life—venality, vulgarity, rudeness, incontinence, and ignorance.
—
Simon Sebag Montefiore,
The Atlantic,
28 June 2026
Not the innocence of ignorance.
—
Anthony Scaramucci,
Fortune,
28 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for ignorance
Cite this Entry
“Ignorance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ignorance. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
ignorance
noun
ig·no·rance
ˈig-nə-rən(t)s
: the state or fact of being ignorant : lack of knowledge, education, or awareness
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