awareness

noun

aware·​ness ə-ˈwer-nəs How to pronounce awareness (audio)
Synonyms of awareness
: 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

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
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.
The awareness of economic costs is a good motivator for change. Rachel Braun Scherl, Forbes.com, 30 May 2026 Californians are wrestling with the conflict between protecting wildlife and protecting citizens from the threats predators pose, with mountain lion sightings near Susanville the latest to heighten public awareness. May 30, Sacbee.com, 30 May 2026 Past beneficiaries have included local schools and families in need as well as ocean awareness non-profits. Sierra Knoch, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 May 2026 County officials heralded the investigation for providing new details from the chaotic first hours of the firestorm, which highlighted incident commanders’ lack of situational awareness. Los Angeles Times, 29 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for awareness

Word History

First Known Use

1839, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of awareness was in 1839

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Cite this Entry

“Awareness.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/awareness. Accessed 5 Jun. 2026.

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