display of ignorance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "display of ignorance" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone shows a lack of knowledge or understanding about a particular topic. Example: "His comments during the meeting were a clear display of ignorance regarding the company's policies."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

And, like the accompanying canon, it is a bravura display of ignorance, arrogance and ceaseless solipsism.

The Guardian - Opinion

As yet, no detestable remark, no flagrant display of ignorance, no scummy business deal has dissuaded his followers.

The New Yorker

The stunning display of ignorance and racism by Texas police and the teen's school teacher has infuriated and saddened many after the news broke.

Independent

It felt as if by our silence, we all, in this carriage, were becoming complicit in a rampant act of racism, a foul display of ignorance and bullying.

The Guardian - Opinion

Miss Goody first came to attention in 2002, in the second series of "Big Brother", when she captured the public imagination with an unselfconscious and comprehensive display of ignorance of geography and much else.In this section Trust the locals Inside job Waning Jaded Gambling for the masses Rate reckoning Designer dreams Safe in their hands?

The Economist

Since 2000, we've concluded nine agreements that will generate over $95m to conserve forests over the next two decades, including two that support Panama's Chagres and Darien national parks.John TurnerAssistant Secretary of State for Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific AffairsWashington, DCSIR – To suggest that "preserving wildlife" is a luxury is a terrible display of ignorance.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

Yet the only one of these displays of ignorance that is treated as morally culpable is creationism.

The Guardian - Opinion

The fact is that every action Trump's taken since he was elected - the cabinet selections, the lying, the tweeting, the open displays of ignorance - confirm what we already know we've got with Trump: A liar.

Huffington Post

While brash displays of ignorance may win votes in Republican primaries, it is never helpful for the president of the U.S., in an increasingly global and multi-polar world, to cavalierly mispronounce foreign words, to remain deliberately ignorant of foreign cultures, to fail to see any shades of gray in any policy discussions or to have any ability to propose complex solutions to complex problems.

Huffington Post

"These recent events reveal an N.Y.P.D. in some need of discipline," Judge Haight wrote, citing what he called a "display of operational ignorance on the part of the N.Y.P.D.'s highest officials".

The New York Times

Senator McCarthy's speeches have been only the leading attraction in a vast display of backwoods ignorance, barnyard sniggering, and Yahoo anti-intellectualism that has, apparently, been demanding expression for quite some while.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "display of ignorance" to critique a specific instance where someone reveals a lack of knowledge or understanding, particularly in public or professional contexts. Ensure the context makes clear what the person is ignorant of to maximize impact.

Common error

Avoid using "display of ignorance" when the situation involves active foolishness or intentional disregard for facts. Ignorance implies a lack of knowledge, whereas stupidity suggests a failure to apply knowledge or reason.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "display of ignorance" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. It describes an instance where someone's lack of knowledge is evident. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

8%

HuffPost

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "display of ignorance" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe situations where someone's lack of knowledge is evident. Ludwig AI confirms it's frequently used in News & Media to criticize or highlight someone's lack of understanding. While it has a neutral register, it often carries a negative connotation, pointing out flaws or inadequacies in someone's knowledge. When using the phrase, ensure the context clearly indicates what the person is ignorant of. Alternatives include "exhibition of ignorance" and "manifestation of ignorance", but the best choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

exhibition of ignorance

Replaces "display" with "exhibition", emphasizing a public demonstration of lacking knowledge.

manifestation of ignorance

Substitutes "display" with "manifestation", highlighting the outward showing of ignorance.

show of ignorance

Uses "show" instead of "display", indicating an act of revealing a lack of knowledge.

act of ignorance

Focuses on the action performed due to ignorance, rather than the display itself.

demonstration of ignorance

Emphasizes the act of proving or showing ignorance.

expression of ignorance

Highlights the communication or voicing of ignorant ideas.

performance of ignorance

Implies a deliberate or unintentional acting out of ignorance.

parade of ignorance

Suggests a large and ostentatious display of ignorance.

example of ignorance

Focuses on the instance serving as evidence of ignorance.

sample of ignorance

Uses "sample" to indicate a small part representing a larger body of ignorance.

FAQs

How can I use "display of ignorance" in a sentence?

You can use "display of ignorance" to describe situations where someone shows a clear lack of knowledge or understanding about something. For example: "The politician's comments were a startling "display of ignorance" regarding climate change."

What are some alternatives to "display of ignorance"?

Alternatives to "display of ignorance" include "exhibition of ignorance", "manifestation of ignorance", or "show of ignorance". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more appropriate to say "display of ignorance" or "act of ignorance"?

The choice between "display of ignorance" and "act of ignorance" depends on whether you're emphasizing the outward showing of ignorance or the action taken because of it. "Display" highlights the revelation, while "act" highlights the consequence.

What's the difference between "display of ignorance" and "statement of ignorance"?

"Display of ignorance" refers to a broader demonstration of lacking knowledge, which can be through actions or words. "Statement of ignorance" implies a direct expression of not knowing something. Therefore, "display of ignorance" can include "statement of ignorance" but it could be even wider as concept.