Ignorance

/ˈɪɡnərəns/

Meaning & Definition

noun
Lack of knowledge, understanding, or information about a particular subject or fact.
His ignorance of the rules led him to make several mistakes during the game.
The state of being uninformed or unaware.
Their ignorance about climate change is alarming, given the overwhelming evidence.
A lack of education or awareness in general.
Ignorance is often cited as the primary reason for the spread of misinformation.
Refusal to acknowledge or understand important facts or realities.
Deliberate ignorance can lead to dire consequences in negotiations.
The condition of being uninformed or uneducated.
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

Dumb
Stop acting dumb and just read the instructions.
Clueless
He was so clueless about the topic during the discussion.