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

That began to change in October 1985, when the American Cancer Society partnered with other groups to launch a week-long event devoted to raising awareness about breast cancer. —Dr. Noor Shaik, ABC News, 1 Oct. 2025

Moya said additional training that focuses on strengthening leadership skills and cultural awareness will also be implemented for Experience Fayetteville. —Arkansas Online, 30 Sep. 2025

Does daily contact with death heighten their awareness of life’s impermanence? —Christian Blauvelt, IndieWire, 30 Sep. 2025

With a little awareness and the right tools, spotting and avoiding these scams becomes much easier. —Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 30 Sep. 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