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 of awareness

• attention
• mindfulness
• consciousness
• knowledge

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

Part of our work is figuring out how to close the gap between the scale and the numbers and the awareness. — Katie Campione, Deadline, 2 Nov. 2026

Stewart says the costume wasn’t intended to mock the unhoused, but rather raise awareness of their plight. — Bethy Squires, Vulture, 2 Nov. 2026

Sánchez argued that authorities must undertake an awareness campaign for parents and provide training for teachers to achieve the effective implementation of the regulation. — ABC News, 2 Nov. 2026

At the time, the supply chain lacked transparency, and consumer awareness of fiber sourcing, sustainability, traceability and local production was still limited. — Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 2 Nov. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1839, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing awareness

• hyper-awareness
• phonemic awareness
• phonological awareness
• self-awareness

Rhymes for awareness

• unawareness
• bareness
• fairness
• squareness
• unfairness