incognizant

Meaning

1. 1adjectivenot comparableformal

   Not knowing about something that is happening or that exists.

   Grammar: Used after a linking verb like be, seem, or remain, and usually followed by of: incognizant of the danger.

   Patterns

   • incognizant of something
   • be incognizant that ...
   • remain incognizant of something

   The committee seemed incognizant of the new regulations.

   She was incognizant of the fact that her contract had expired.

   Many voters remain incognizant of how the tax changes will affect them.

Common combinations

incognizant of

He was incognizant of the risks involved.

remain incognizant

Some staff remain incognizant of the safety rules.

seem incognizant

The manager seemed incognizant of the problem.

incognizant that

They were incognizant that the deadline had passed.

Synonyms and how they differ

unaware

Much more common and neutral; use it in everyday speech instead of incognizant.

ignorant

Stronger and often suggests a lack of knowledge that one should have; it can sound insulting.

uninformed

Focuses on not having been given information, rather than simply not knowing.

oblivious

Suggests not noticing what is obvious to others, often in a careless way.

Opposites

Word family

cognizant adjective

Aware or informed; the opposite of incognizant.

incognizance noun

The state of not being aware; rare.

Commonly confused: incognizant or ignorant? incognizant or unconscious?

Practice

Make it your own

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

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