ignorant

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'ignorant' is correct and commonly used in written English.
It is used to describe someone who exhibits a lack of knowledge about something or someone who is unaware of something. For example: 'The ignorant student was unaware of his class schedule.'.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And the people doing it are ignorant of – or blatantly ignoring – the facts … Any debate should be based on fact not untruths.

The Guardian

If you had a few ignorant people out riding across the winter corn, you'd shout at them".

The Guardian

Ministers who might have forseen impending disasters were left astonishingly ignorant of major developments in their portfolios.

The Guardian

I was an ignorant man who used to have many girlfriends, but no more after learning it is not correct Islam to fall in love with a girl without being married to her.

The Guardian

Quote of the week: an indignant Omar on his blissfully ignorant grandma: "That woman think I work in a cafeteria – at the airport!" Murders: still on 50, but Prez does accidently kills another policeman – a distractingly overdramatic subplot for this point in the series?

The Guardian

In his quirky way Bennett is the playwright, rather as JB Priestley once was, of the post-industrial England of which so many in the south are both ignorant and disdainful.

The Guardian - Opinion

It wasn't cool to be African in those days and in my ignorant teenage way, I was acting out a much bigger crisis of confidence, one that had been swallowing Africans and spitting them out as permanent economic migrants in Europe and America ever since the end of colonialism.

The Guardian

That story's great fame has had a distorting effect on the rest his work, abetted by every ignorant commentator – and there are plenty – who has identified it as typical.

The Guardian - Books

I was just quoting a song, but I was ignorant of the power of that word, that it would upset so many people Touitou's "search for beauty" has led APC to stand for a particular type of tasteful cool – something hard to define ("there is a vibe there that isn't said, but it's in the air," is all he will say).

The Guardian - Lifestyle

A recurring obstacle is how ignorant mainstream society is of the lives of recent migrants.

The Guardian - Opinion

"[Al-Shabaab] need people who are quite ignorant about Somalia.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "ignorant", be mindful of the context and potential connotations. It can sometimes sound harsh or condescending, so consider whether a more neutral term like "uninformed" might be more appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "ignorant" as a direct insult or to dismiss someone's opinion without engaging with their arguments. Focus on addressing the specific lack of knowledge or understanding rather than attacking the person.

Linguistic Context

The word "ignorant" functions primarily as an adjective. It modifies nouns to describe someone or something lacking knowledge or awareness. Ludwig confirms this usage, showing many instances of "ignorant" modifying subjects in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "ignorant" is a very common adjective used to describe a lack of knowledge or awareness. According to Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct. While frequently appearing in news and media, it's important to note that its usage can sometimes be perceived as harsh, suggesting a careful consideration of tone is vital. For milder alternatives, consider words such as "uninformed" or "unaware". Using "ignorant" appropriately involves being mindful of context and potential connotations to ensure effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unaware

This suggests a lack of consciousness or realization about a particular fact or situation.

uninformed

This alternative directly suggests a lack of information, often implying a neutral or passive state.

oblivious

This suggests a lack of awareness, often implying a disregard for or inattention to surroundings or circumstances.

blind to

This idiom suggests a failure to recognize or understand something, often due to prejudice or bias.

uneducated

This implies a lack of formal schooling or general knowledge acquired through learning.

unschooled

Implies a lack of formal education; similar to "uneducated" but can also refer to a lack of experience.

clueless

An informal term suggesting a complete lack of understanding or knowledge.

unversed

This indicates a lack of experience or familiarity with a particular subject or skill.

nescient

A more formal and less common term for lacking knowledge; often used in philosophical contexts.

benighted

This term suggests intellectual or moral darkness; less common and more critical than "ignorant".

FAQs

How can I use "ignorant" in a sentence?

You can use "ignorant" to describe someone lacking knowledge on a particular subject. For example: "He was "ignorant" of the local customs."

What's a more polite alternative to saying someone is "ignorant"?

Consider using alternatives such as "uninformed", "unaware", or "lacking knowledge" to soften the tone.

What's the difference between "ignorant" and "stupid"?

"Ignorant" refers to a lack of knowledge, while "stupid" implies a lack of intelligence or understanding. Someone can be "ignorant" about a specific topic without being generally "stupid".

Is it appropriate to call someone "ignorant" in a professional setting?

It's generally best to avoid using "ignorant" in professional contexts, as it can be perceived as disrespectful. Opt for more neutral terms like "unfamiliar with" or "less experienced in" to convey the same meaning without causing offense.