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

Officials are unaware of allegations of misconduct connected to Cathcart's positions in Little League or youth hockey. — Dejanay Booth-Singleton, CBS News, 21 Oct. 2026

Some of those choices, such as the village’s promotion of tourism to visitors largely unaware of the threat, appeared to be financially motivated, according to current and former officials who worked on flood response. — Abe Streep, ProPublica, 21 Oct. 2026

The president said at the time that her office had been unaware that state officials in Chihuahua and the US government were collaborating independently. — Mauricio Torres, CNN Money, 18 Oct. 2026

The update has largely gone unreported, with many of those interviewed by Daily News interviewed unaware of its existence. — Cayla Bamberger, New York Daily News, 17 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