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

Designed for blue-water operations, the Corsair can support roles ranging from maritime domain awareness to intelligence collection and the delivery of kinetic or non-kinetic effects. —Kapil Kajal, Interesting Engineering, 9 Dec. 2025

The event is dedicated to raising awareness about the abandonment of animals and promoting responsible adoption, as well as supporting shelters. —Janine Henni, PEOPLE, 8 Dec. 2025

This awareness shaped the company’s trajectory. —Malana Vantyler, USA Today, 8 Dec. 2025

What persists is a quiet, bitter awareness of lives long ago consigned to suffering and despair. —Adam Gopnik, New Yorker, 8 Dec. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1839, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing awareness

• hyper-awareness
• self-awareness

Rhymes for awareness

• unawareness
• bareness
• fairness
• squareness
• unfairness