Definition

Adjective 1. Not noticed, considered, or responded to: Refers to something that has been deliberately or unintentionally overlooked, disregarded, or paid no attention to. 2. Treated as unimportant or unworthy of attention: Describes a person, thing, or piece of information that has been consciously or unconsciously neglected.

Usage

The adjective "ignored" is used to describe the state of having been disregarded. It typically follows a linking verb (like was, were, felt, remained) or modifies a noun directly. - It describes the result of an action of ignoring. - It often carries a passive sense, indicating that the subject receives the disregard.

Examples

• Following a linking verb:
  • His suggestions were completely ignored by the committee.
  • The warning signs had been ignored for years, leading to the accident.
• Modifying a noun directly:
  • She was upset by his ignored messages.
  • The report compiled all the ignored complaints from customers.

Advanced Usage

• "ignored" vs. "unnoticed": While similar, "ignored" often implies a conscious or willful act of disregarding, whereas "unnoticed" suggests something failed to attract any attention, without implying intent.
  • The memo was ignored by the manager. (The manager saw it but chose not to act.)
  • The memo went unnoticed on the cluttered desk. (No one saw it.)
• In technical/computer contexts: Refers to user input, signals, or data that a system is programmed or configured to not act upon.
  • The software update made certain deprecated commands ignored.

Variants and Related Words

• Ignore (verb): To refuse to take notice of or acknowledge; to disregard intentionally.
  • He chose to ignore the insult.
• Ignorable (adjective): Capable of being ignored.
  • The error was deemed ignorable and did not stop the process.
• Ignorance (noun): Lack of knowledge or information. (Note: This is related etymologically but has a distinctly different meaning).

Synonyms

• Disregarded: Not considered or taken into account.
• Overlooked: Failed to notice or consider.
• Neglected: Not given proper care or attention.
• Unheeded: Not listened to or noticed (often used for advice or warnings).

Antonyms

• Acknowledged: Recognized as existing or true.
• Heeded: Paid attention to; took notice of.
• Noticed: Became aware of; observed.
• Considered: Thought about carefully.

Related Phrases and Idioms

• To fall on deaf ears: To be ignored or unheeded (typically used for advice, warnings, or pleas).
  • Their appeals for help fell on deaf ears.
• To turn a blind eye: To deliberately ignore undesirable information.
  • The supervisor turned a blind eye to the safety violations.

Adjective

1. disregarded
   • his cries were unheeded
   • Shaw's neglected one-act comedy, `A Village Wooing'
   • her ignored advice