# willful ignorance

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/willful-ignorance
Updated: 2026-08-10

## 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

- His willful ignorance about the budget problems makes things worse.
- She chose willful ignorance regarding the company's unethical practices to keep her high-paying job.
- The politician maintained a state of willful ignorance, refusing to acknowledge the mounting evidence that contradicted his long-standing policy positions.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.