awareness

noun

aware·​ness ə-ˈwer-nəs How to pronounce awareness (audio)
: 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

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
This approach is not a replacement for therapy, but rather a first line of defense in emotional awareness. Connie Etemadi, USA Today, 16 May 2025 Small shifts in awareness such as paying attention to body language, asking first or simply waiting for the right moment can be the difference between discomfort and feeling understood. Brian N. Chin, The Conversation, 16 May 2025 Few attacking midfielders have his blend of ball-carrying drive, incisive passing and spatial awareness. Mark Carey, New York Times, 16 May 2025 For instance, if your audience likes sports, launching ads during popular events can be a way to increase both brand awareness and sales even though the metrics will be hard to measure. Roman Vrublivskyi, Forbes.com, 16 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for awareness

Word History

First Known Use

1839, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of awareness was in 1839

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Awareness.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/awareness. Accessed 23 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on awareness

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!