ignorance
Ignorance (noun) means a lack of knowledge, information, or education about something. Example: “Her ignorance of local customs led to an embarrassing mistake.”
How to use ignorance
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSimply not knowing something — it doesn't always imply stupidity, just a gap in knowledge.
Word forms
ignorances plural
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Her _____ of local customs led to an embarrassing mistake.
Etymology
From Old French ignorance, from Latin ignorantia, from ignorare, "not to know."
Related words
Rhymes for ignorance
See all rhymes for ignorance →Frequently asked questions
What does “ignorance” mean?
The word “ignorance” means a lack of knowledge, information, or education about something. In plain terms, simply not knowing something — it doesn't always imply stupidity, just a gap in knowledge.
How do you pronounce “ignorance”?
“Ignorance” is pronounced IHG-nuh-ruhns (/ˈɪɡ.nɚ.əns/ in IPA).
How do you use “ignorance” in a sentence?
Here is “ignorance” used in a sentence: “Her ignorance of local customs led to an embarrassing mistake.”
What part of speech is “ignorance”?
“Ignorance” is a noun.
Where does the word “ignorance” come from?
The word “ignorance” comes from Latin. From Old French ignorance, from Latin ignorantia, from ignorare, "not to know.".
Is “ignorance” a common word?
“Ignorance” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
What is the difference between ignorance and stupidity?
Ignorance is a lack of knowledge, information, or education about something, and it can be fixed by learning. Stupidity is a lack of intelligence or good judgment, which concerns how someone thinks rather than what they happen to know.
What is the difference between ignorance and innocence?
Ignorance is simply a lack of knowledge about something, while innocence implies freedom from guilt, wrongdoing, or worldly experience. A person can be ignorant of a fact without being innocent, and an innocent person is not necessarily ignorant.
Featured in
Vocabulary lists that include ignorance: