ENGLISH
REFERENCE

willful ignorance

idiom
Meaning

A decision in bad faith to avoid becoming informed about something so as to avoid having to make undesirable decisions that such information might prompt.


Examples
SIMPLE

His willful ignorance about the budget problems makes things worse.

CONTEXTUAL

She chose willful ignorance regarding the company's unethical practices to keep her high-paying job.

COMPLEX

The politician maintained a state of willful ignorance, refusing to acknowledge the mounting evidence that contradicted his long-standing policy positions.

Anchors to

© 2026 English Reference