unaware

1 of 2

adjective

un·​aware ˌən-ə-ˈwer How to pronounce unaware (audio)
Synonyms of unawarenext
: not aware : ignorant
unaware of the problem
unawarely adverb
unawareness noun

unaware

2 of 2

adverb

: unawares

Synonyms of unaware

Relevance

Adjective

Adverb

See All Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus

Examples of unaware in a Sentence

Adjective she was unaware of the change in travel plans Adverb the predawn attack took the airmen completely unaware
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Adjective
Nolan has retooled the character into an innocent victim, unaware of Odysseus’ scheme, who nonetheless gives his life for it. — ArsTechnica, 1 Aug. 2026 Some activists in Morocco expressed doubt that the ruling was behind the surge, arguing most migrants would have been unaware of such legal decisions. — Yuliya Talmazan, NBC news, 31 July 2026 Some activists in Morocco expressed doubt that the ruling was behind the surge, arguing that most migrants would have been unaware of such legal decisions. — Sergio Rodrigo Ruíz, Los Angeles Times, 31 July 2026 Some migration advocates, however, questioned whether the ruling alone could explain the dramatic increase, arguing many migrants would likely have been unaware of the decision. — Brittany Miller, FOXNews.com, 31 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for unaware

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1696, in the meaning defined above

Adverb

1581, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of unaware was in 1581

Rhymes for unaware

See All Rhymes for unaware

Browse Nearby Words

unawarded
unaware
unawaredly
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Unaware.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unaware. Accessed 3 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

unaware

1 of 2 adverb
un·​aware ˌən-ə-ˈwa(ə)r How to pronounce unaware (audio)
-ˈwe(ə)r
: unawares

unaware

2 of 2 adjective
: not aware : ignorant
unawareness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on unaware

Nglish: Translation of unaware for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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