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

Rolex’s Perpetual Planet Initiative has partnered with CNN to drive awareness and education around key sustainability issues and to inspire positive action. —Charlotte Reck, CNN Money, 4 Feb. 2026

By strengthening the project’s audience awareness and impact readiness, the award helps filmmakers translate artistic vision into clear audience connection and market presence. —Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 4 Feb. 2026

The goal is to help each drive raise more awareness of the need to donate blood. —Pioneer Press, Chicago Tribune, 4 Feb. 2026

Missouri offers a slew of specialty plates that range from supporting professional sports teams like the Chiefs to causes or organizations such as breast cancer awareness and the Eagle Scouts. —Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 4 Feb. 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