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

Just a few weeks ago, a survey from UK arbitration service Acas found that two-fifths of employers across all industries were unaware of these changes in law. — Max Goldbart, Deadline, 3 Nov. 2026

The resident spotted Bottiglierivega standing in the courtyard area at the time, unaware she was involved. — Ana Maria Soler, CBS News, 2 Nov. 2026

Choula and her team found that many providers were unaware or unfamiliar with the new Medicare reimbursement codes used to access the benefit. — Raginee Sudhir Chaurey, CNN Money, 1 Nov. 2026

One of the key questions investigators are working to answer is why the control center appeared to be unaware that a train remained stalled on the tracks ahead of a train moving at 120 mph. — ABC News, 29 Oct. 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