Synonyms for

Ignorance

Verb / ˈɪgnɜ:ʌns / Another word for ignorance — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

Ignorance means a lack of knowledge or understanding about something.

Synonyms & similar words

unawareness incomprehension naivety ignoramus illiteracy nescience unfamiliarity unenlightenment blindness benightedness simplicity unsophistication cluelessness unworldliness greenness unwisdom unintelligence ignorantness innocence callowness

Synonyms by register

Formal

unawareness nescience oblivion

Informal

cluelessness not knowing being out of the loop

Literary

blindness darkness

Antonyms

knowledge wisdom understanding awareness cognizance enlightenment erudition

Common collocations

  • ignorance is bliss
  • willful ignorance
  • ignorance of the law
  • sheer ignorance
  • ignorance breeds
  • ignorance of the facts
  • ignorance of the situation

Word family

noun ignorance
verb ignore
adjective ignorant
adverb ignorantly

Usage note

Ignorance refers to a lack of knowledge or information. It can be unintentional or deliberate (willful ignorance). The related verb 'ignore' means to disregard or pay no attention to.

Example sentences

  1. Her ignorance about the subject made it hard for her to understand the lesson.
  2. Ignorance can lead to misunderstandings and mistakes.
  3. The teacher tried to educate the students about the dangers of ignorance.
  4. It is important to ask questions and seek knowledge to overcome ignorance.
  5. His ignorance about the culture led to many misunderstandings during his travels.

Quotes

  • “The greatest enemy of knowledge is not ignorance, it is the illusion of knowledge.” - Stephen Hawking
  • “Ignorance, allied with power, is the most ferocious enemy justice can have.” - James Baldwin
  • “The only thing that interferes with my learning is my education.” - Albert Einstein

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