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

The Denise Amber Lee Foundation, created by her husband Nathan Lee, continues to promote training and raise public awareness nationwide. —David Fischer The Associated Press, Arkansas Online, 18 Mar. 2026

Despite growing awareness, misinformation about omega-3 fatty acids still persists. —Leeann Weintraub, Daily News, 18 Mar. 2026

Similarly, Tyson Wrench, a citizen detective, decided to share his personal experience as a victim of fraud publicly, hoping to raise awareness and prevent similar crimes from happening to others. —Payton Turkeltaub, Variety, 18 Mar. 2026

What’s clear is that awareness of upcoming non-tariff barriers via sustainability requirements remains surprisingly low. —Akhil Sivanandan, Sourcing Journal, 18 Mar. 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