Difference between "ignorant" and "uninformed"

Solution 1:

People often contrast "stupid" from "ignorant". "Stupid" means a lack of intelligence, an inability to comprehend information. "Ignorant" means a lack of information.

"Uninformed" means pretty much the same thing as "ignorant". It has a milder tone, but that's about the only difference.

Solution 2:

Ignorant means the person in question did not bother to "get informed". Being uninformed can have several causes, not necessarily that of not showing concern.

Solution 3:

Well, I hate to disagree with @Milosz, but negativity attaches to both adjectives. Calling someone uninformed is simply a politer way of calling them ignorant.

If you're looking for a more neutral adjective, try unaware.

Solution 4:

As can be seen from the form of the word, ‘ignorant’, strictly speaking, means ‘having ignorance, ignoring the facts, not caring’. However, as is often the case, people use the word loosely to suggest lack of knowledge. It is certainly pejorative. It can also imply lack of social grace, particularly in the expression ‘pig ignorant’.

I would say ‘uninformed’ was designed to be emotionally neutral, a mere statement of fact that someone is not in full possession of the facts. However, the manner of delivery of the word can convey contempt. If a governmental policy etc. is described as uninformed, it implies that not enough trouble has been taken to ascertain the facts.