unaware

1 of 2

adjective

un·​aware ˌən-ə-ˈwer 

: not aware : ignorant

unaware of the problem

unawarely adverb

unawareness noun

unaware

2 of 2

adverb

: unawares

Synonyms of unaware

Adjective

• oblivious
• ignorant

Adverb

• suddenly
• unexpectedly
• unawares

Examples of unaware in a Sentence

Adjective

she was unaware of the change in travel plans

Adverb

the predawn attack took the airmen completely unaware

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

The Amnesty Most Expats Don't Know Exists The IRS understands that some Americans are simply unaware of their filing obligations while living abroad. — Nathalie Goldstein, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026

Lueck said the names are a cool way to bring in a crowd unaware of piping plovers. — Finnegan Belleau, Chicago Tribune, 7 Aug. 2026

OpenAI continued to develop and test experimental agents, introducing a new agent on June 11, seemingly unaware of the chaos unfolding behind the scenes. — Justyn Newman, PC Magazine, 6 Aug. 2026

Many athletes were unaware of the new policy until it was announced in a news release last month, Gauff told reporters at a National Bank Open post-match news conference Wednesday evening. — Doha Madani, NBC news, 6 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1696, in the meaning defined above

Adverb

1581, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for unaware

• aftercare
• anywhere
• billionaire
• chinaware
• debonair
• dinnerware
• disrepair
• doctrinaire
• earthenware
• everywhere
• frigidaire
• kitchenware

Kids Definition

unaware

1 of 2 adverb

un·​aware ˌən-ə-ˈwa(ə)r 

-ˈwe(ə)r

: unawares

unaware

2 of 2 adjective

: not aware : ignorant

unawareness noun