awareness

noun

aware·​ness ə-ˈwer-nəs 

: the quality or state of being aware : knowledge and understanding that something is happening or exists

promoting a heightened awareness of the problem

seemed to have only a slight awareness of what was going on

an acute awareness of subtle differences

They hope to raise awareness of endangered species, encouraging donations and attracting tourists to the region to support conservation efforts.

—New Scientist

The alternative press played a particularly important role in raising political awareness and facilitating mobilization against the regime in South Africa …

—Larry Diamond

Synonyms

• advertence
• advertency
• attention
• cognizance
• consciousness
• ear
• eye
• heed
• knowledge
• mindfulness
• note
• notice
• observance
• observation

Examples of awareness in a Sentence

while strolling in the big city, maintain an awareness of what's going on around you

Recent Examples on the Web

Advertisement The name change is an attempt to raise awareness of the Oakland airport’s location in the San Francisco Bay Area, where it’s been since 1927, according to a news release from the Board of Port Commissioners. —Summer Lin, Los Angeles Times, 10 May 2024

At the time, the mom was hopeful that the family's social media videos would raise awareness of ovarian cancer in young women and, one day, serve as a time capsule for Weston of their time together. —Angela Andaloro, Peoplemag, 10 May 2024

Another spouse raising awareness is Martha Hill, a lawyer and wife of Arkansas Republican French Hill. —Deirdre Walsh, NPR, 8 May 2024

In anticipation of the weeklong children's mental health awareness campaign, Gov. Tony Evers declared a state proclamation naming May 5-11 as Children's Mental Health Week. —Natalie Eilbert, Journal Sentinel, 8 May 2024

Improving consumer awareness of their insurance needs and making homes more resilient will help sustain our insurance markets. —Priscilla Almodovar, Fortune, 8 May 2024

Yet, Holocaust education has fallen far short even of its fundamental goal to raise awareness. —Boaz Dvir, TIME, 6 May 2024

The event, dedicated to raising awareness for global women’s health advocacy, honored individuals who have demonstrated a commitment to women’s empowerment and health care equality. —Kirsten Chuba, The Hollywood Reporter, 3 May 2024

How the day raises awareness about climate change, our environment How did it get started? —Julia Gomez, USA TODAY, 26 Apr. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1839, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing awareness

• hyper-awareness
• self-awareness