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

How dragons existed in the imagination of both Europe in the Middle Ages and China in the fifth millennium BC, though the cultures were unaware of the other’s existence. —Literary Hub, 28 Jan. 2026

Perhaps Victoria, out there on the dance floor, was simply grooving to Marc Anthony, unaware that the moment would become an inflection point in her fraught relationship with her eldest son. —Anna Russell, New Yorker, 27 Jan. 2026

Why machines need self-awareness Today’s generative AI systems are remarkably capable but fundamentally unaware. —Ricky J. Sethi, The Conversation, 26 Jan. 2026

Most homeowners are unaware of the soft job costs. —Tim Carter, Hartford Courant, 24 Jan. 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