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

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

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