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 sources told the outlet that soldiers were unaware that a car that made a U-turn next to a military roadblock was driven by an American diplomat and thought someone was illegally avoiding the roadblock. — CBS News, 15 Sep. 2026

Some members of her mixed Native and white congregation were unaware of her stance. — Savannah Peters, Los Angeles Times, 14 Sep. 2026

ProPublica shared its analysis with more than a dozen maternal health experts, including leaders in the field, who were unaware of the spike; early pregnancy complications are chronically underresearched. — Andrea Suozzo, CNN Money, 10 Sep. 2026

Riggle noted that people may be unaware of the danger that Stewart willingly placed himself in while serving his country. — Ashley Hume , Larry Fink, FOXNews.com, 10 Sep. 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