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

Pardo tried to get out of the vehicle while holding her daughter but collapsed, unaware that she had been shot in the knee. — Arkansas Online, 11 Nov. 2026

Some board members spoke publicly of being caught unaware by the major rollout. — Tessa Solomon, ARTnews.com, 9 Nov. 2026

Freeder and Kitchens, who were unaware of the wording of the contractual agreement, scoffed at the idea that the poll was neutral in its questions or its goals. — Rafael Olmeda, Sun Sentinel, 8 Nov. 2026

The famed downtown venue is once again operating Thursdays to Sunday, but many have been unaware. — Todd Martens, Los Angeles Times, 6 Nov. 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