ignorance

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'ignorance' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a lack of knowledge or understanding about a particular subject or situation. For example: 'His ignorance about the local customs caused him to make a serious mistake.'.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Without mentioning Bachmann by name, McCain described the attacks on Abedin, a Muslim, as an example of ignorance and fear.

The Guardian

I think much of the problem is ignorance.

The Guardian

By this I mean profound ignorance of the formation of the brain in early years and the effects of neglect and trauma.

The Guardian

But he is trading on the financial ignorance of most savers, who at best may pay more tax and end up poorer in later life, and at worst fall prey to all manner of tricksters and fraudsters promising double digit returns on plausible but fictitious investments.

The Guardian - Money

Every canvasser is defeated by the mind-blowing ignorance of those for whom "politics" is not on their radar, unaware how their daily struggles will be fought out in distant Westminster.

The Guardian - Opinion

Happily, Football Focus's charming anchor, Dan Walker, is willing to overlook my sporting ignorance when he joins me for a chat and a biscuit in one of several BBC outside broadcast trucks situated in Villa's car park.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"Education may be expensive, but the cost of ignorance is much greater.

The Guardian - Money

The town in which Salim, "a man without a side", sets up shop, formerly Arab, then colonial, becomes a microcosm of a society moving towards independence: a place of chaotic and violent change; tribal warfare, ignorance, poverty and human degradation.

The Guardian - Books

Instead of ensuring safety, the heightened post-9/11 measures imposed by the transportation security administration (TSA) highlight inefficiency, ignorance and a violation of civil liberties.

The Guardian - Opinion

The conservative field for the 2016 election is otherwise made up of proud deniers, such as Cruz, and those who would rather plead ignorance, along with Florida senator Marco Rubio and Texas governor Rick Perry.

The Guardian

Stories that should be covered are not, and readers end up being kept in ignorance about important aspects of their country, with the prejudices of the cliques in control of the media – which go beyond race to class and gender too – held up as informed commentary.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing sensitive topics, consider the nuance of "ignorance". It can be interpreted as offensive, so consider if "lack of awareness" or "lack of knowledge" might be more appropriate.

Common error

Be careful not to imply malicious intent when using the word "ignorance". Frame statements to focus on the absence of knowledge rather than accusing someone of deliberately avoiding information.

Linguistic Context

The term "ignorance" functions primarily as a noun, denoting a state of being uninformed or lacking knowledge. Ludwig examples showcase its use in describing a general condition or a specific deficiency in understanding.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"Ignorance", denoting a lack of knowledge or understanding, is a very common noun frequently used across various contexts. According to Ludwig AI, the term is grammatically correct and appears most often in News & Media, Formal & Business, and Science related sources. While generally neutral, it's important to consider the potential impact of using "ignorance", as it can sometimes be perceived negatively. Alternatives such as "lack of awareness" or "lack of knowledge" might be more suitable in certain situations. Ultimately, understanding the nuances of "ignorance" and its alternatives helps ensure effective and sensitive communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lack of knowledge

Directly points to the absence of information or understanding.

lack of comprehension

Focuses on the inability to understand something clearly.

lack of awareness

Focuses on the state of being uninformed or not conscious of something.

being uninformed

Highlights the state of not having the necessary information.

state of unawareness

Highlights the condition of not being aware or conscious.

unfamiliarity

Emphasizes a lack of experience or acquaintance with something.

intellectual deficiency

Emphasizes a lack of intelligence or cognitive ability.

cognitive deficit

Focuses on mental deficiency.

benightedness

Archaic and literary term, refers to a state of intellectual or moral darkness.

empty-headedness

A more informal term, suggesting a lack of serious thought or intelligence.

FAQs

How can I use "ignorance" in a sentence?

You can use "ignorance" to describe a lack of knowledge or understanding. For example, "His "ignorance" of the subject was evident in his confused explanation".

What's the difference between "ignorance" and "stupidity"?

"Ignorance" refers to a lack of knowledge, while "stupidity" suggests a lack of intelligence or an inability to understand. "Ignorance" can be overcome with education, while stupidity implies a more inherent limitation.

What can I say instead of "ignorance" to sound less harsh?

You can use alternatives like "lack of awareness", "lack of knowledge", or "unfamiliarity" depending on the specific context.

Is it ever appropriate to plead "ignorance" in a legal context?

Generally, "ignorance" of the law is not a valid defense. However, in specific situations, demonstrating a lack of awareness of certain facts might mitigate culpability.