unaware

1 of 2

adjective

un·​aware ˌən-ə-ˈwer How to pronounce unaware (audio)
: not aware : ignorant
unaware of the problem
unawarely adverb
unawareness noun

unaware

2 of 2

adverb

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
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.
Adjective
Many homeowners are unaware that these machines require regular maintenance. Brynn Cooksey, Forbes.com, 29 Apr. 2025 Many Americans are unaware that government regulation of industry helped bring us these precious gains in children’s health, by keeping tuberculosis, E.coli, and yes, bird flu out of the milk people drink. Made By History, Time, 29 Apr. 2025 Hackman appeared to have outlived Arakawa at home by about a week, possibly unaware of his wife’s death. Morgan Lee, Chicago Tribune, 28 Apr. 2025 Onlookers celebrating her victory were completely unaware of what was transpiring in front of them. Mohammed Soliman, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for unaware

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1696, in the meaning defined above

Adverb

1581, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of unaware was in 1581

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Unaware.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unaware. Accessed 2 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

unaware

1 of 2 adverb
un·​aware ˌən-ə-ˈwa(ə)r How to pronounce unaware (audio)
-ˈwe(ə)r

unaware

2 of 2 adjective
: not aware : ignorant
unawareness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on unaware

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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