Meaning & Definition of word "Ignorance"

Ignorance

/ˈɪɡnərəns/

noun:

  • 1. Lack of knowledge, understanding, or information about a particular subject or fact.
    • Example: His ignorance of the rules led him to make several mistakes during the game.
  • 2. The state of being uninformed or unaware.
    • Example: Their ignorance about climate change is alarming, given the overwhelming evidence.
  • 3. A lack of education or awareness in general.
    • Example: Ignorance is often cited as the primary reason for the spread of misinformation.
  • 4. Refusal to acknowledge or understand important facts or realities.
    • Example: Deliberate ignorance can lead to dire consequences in negotiations.
  • 5. The condition of being uninformed or uneducated.
    • Example: The community's ignorance about health issues was evident in the high rates of disease.

Etymology

From Latin 'ignorantia', meaning 'lack of knowledge'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

ignorance is bliss:

A state in which a person is unaware of unpleasant facts and therefore does not suffer from anxiety.

willful ignorance:

The deliberate choice to avoid gaining knowledge or becoming aware.

ignorance of the law is no excuse:

A principle that being unaware of a law does not absolve one from liability or consequences.

Related Words

ignorant:

Lacking knowledge, information, or awareness.

ill-informed:

Having inadequate or incorrect information.

uninformed:

Not having or showing knowledge of a particular subject.

Slang Meanings of ignorance

Meaning: Dumb

Example Sentence: Stop acting dumb and just read the instructions.

Meaning: Clueless

Example Sentence: He was so clueless about the topic during the discussion.