ignorant

Meanings

1. 1adjectivecomparable

   Lacking knowledge or awareness about a particular subject or fact.

   Grammar: Usually followed by of/about: ignorant of the rules. It means uninformed, not necessarily stupid.

   Patterns

   • ignorant of something
   • ignorant about something
   • remain ignorant

   I was ignorant of the new parking rules and got a fine.

   She is highly trained but ignorant about basic car maintenance.

   Do not call learners ignorant; they are simply new to the topic.

2. 2adjectivenot comparableinformaldisapproving

   Rude or impolite in behavior, especially when used as an insult in casual speech.

   Grammar: Often after be or in imperatives: Don't be ignorant. This use is disapproving and informal.

   Patterns

   • don't be ignorant
   • an ignorant remark

   The customer shouted, “Don't be ignorant,” when the clerk asked him to wait.

   Some listeners heard the joke as an ignorant comment about their accent.

Word forms

Common combinations

politically ignorant

He admitted he was politically ignorant and decided to read more.

ignorant of the facts

The article was written by someone ignorant of the facts.

wilfully ignorant

She was wilfully ignorant of the harm caused by the rumor.

Synonyms and how they differ

uninformed

Neutral: lacking information on a topic, without blame or stupidity.

uneducated

Lacking formal schooling or training, broader than not knowing one fact.

illiterate

Specifically unable to read or write, or lacking knowledge in a field.

oblivious

Unaware of what is happening around you, often through inattention.

Opposites

Word family

ignorance noun

lack of knowledge or awareness.

ignorantly adverb

in an ignorant way; rarely used.

Commonly confused: ignorant or ignore?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “ignorant”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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