# ignorance

/ˈɪɡnɝəns/ (US) · /ˈɪɡnəɹəns/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/ignorance
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 3. unintentional mistakes

noun · CEFR C2 · Formal · Archaic

wrong actions that happen because you did not know the rules or the truth.

For teachers: sins or errors committed through a lack of knowledge rather than through malice.

- The priest prayed for those who had committed sins in their ignorance.
- The legal defense argued that the defendant's actions were mere ignorances of the complex regulatory framework rather than a deliberate attempt to defraud the public.

## Examples

- His ignorance of the local laws led to a small fine.
- The public's ignorance regarding the new tax policy caused a lot of confusion during the election.
- While some argue that ignorance is bliss, in a modern economy, a lack of technical literacy can be a significant barrier to professional advancement.

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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.