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

• 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

Every October, breast cancer awareness campaigns fill our feeds with pink ribbons, fundraising walks and survivor stories. —Lauryn Higgins, Flow Space, 21 Oct. 2025

In the end, Delhi’s markets tell the real story, no QR codes, no awareness, no enforcement. —Robert Birsel, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Oct. 2025

Elizabeth Hurley is continuing to use her wardrobe and footwear choices to raise awareness of Breast Cancer Awareness Month this October. —Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 21 Oct. 2025

Created in 2014 by Macmillan Cancer Support in the United Kingdom, Sober October was initially designed as a month-long challenge calling imbibers to refrain from drinking to raise money and awareness for people with cancer. —Essence, 21 Oct. 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