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

For six weeks there has been a palpable awareness that, well, this might be it. — James Horncastle, New York Times, 20 July 2026

Trump’s endorsing perspective toward Ukraine arrives at a time when global awareness is sensing the fortunes of war turning in Ukraine’s favor. — Ihor N. Stelmach, Hartford Courant, 19 July 2026

The certification from DarkSky International follows Sun Valley Resort’s focus on limiting artificial light on the mountain and growing public awareness around light pollution. — Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 19 July 2026

Plastic use is minimal, with clean sea and coral reef awareness shared among staff and guests. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 19 July 2026

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