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 national spotlight on the area since Guthrie’s disappearance has in turn led to a greater public awareness about the many people who go missing or die in the sprawling desert and reveals just how many families are also searching for answers. — Emma Tucker, CNN Money, 24 Aug. 2026

Greek health campaigners have welcomed a growing awareness of the dangers of ultraviolet exposure and risk of heat stroke. — ABC News, 23 Aug. 2026

The rocker has continued to perform and advocate for diabetes awareness throughout a career that has included fronting Poison, starring on reality television and launching a successful solo career. — Christina Dugan Ramirez, FOXNews.com, 23 Aug. 2026

Her experience of waiting nearly two years for a donor liver to become available helped raise public awareness for the acute need for organ donations. — Jack Dunn, Variety, 23 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1839, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing awareness

• hyper-awareness
• phonemic awareness
• phonological awareness
• self-awareness

Rhymes for awareness

• unawareness
• bareness
• fairness
• squareness
• unfairness