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

• advertence
• advertency
• attention
• cognizance
• consciousness
• ear
• eye
• heed
• knowledge
• mindfulness
• note
• notice
• observance
• observation

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

Related Stories As with all of Global Citizen’s efforts that are centered around an entertainment event, the ultimate goal will be to raise awareness and funding for efforts to end extreme poverty around the world. —Chris Willman, Variety, 9 June 2025

Try out new messaging to raise awareness around your brand to three new audiences. —Cynthia Pong, Forbes.com, 8 June 2025

Public education campaigns can raise awareness with people who have concerns about cognitive impairment and their families. —Jim Taylor, Chicago Tribune, 8 June 2025

Some of the marchers in Aventura on Sunday wore signs of the remaining hostages on their shirts to raise awareness. —Garrett Shanley, Miami Herald, 8 June 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