unknowing

1 of 2

adjective

un·​know·​ing ˌən-ˈnō-iŋ How to pronounce unknowing (audio)
: not knowing
unknowingly adverb

unknowing

2 of 2

noun

Examples of unknowing in a Sentence

Adjective those unknowing people who think that the world is a kindly place are in for a rude awakening the poor woman has been the unknowing target of some pretty vicious gossip
Recent Examples on the Web
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Adjective
The novel, after all, can be read today as an unknowing precursor to Interview with a Vampire or The Rocky Horror Picture Show. Literary Hub, 8 Aug. 2025 As such, when Mia brings an innocent, unknowing stranger back to her apartment and begins to torture him, Dexter— witnessing the events unfold from across the street — calls authorities and Mia is arrested. Tim Lammers, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2025
Noun
In a scene framed by the opening of a karst cave, the 20-inch black and cream-colored banded snake targeted an unknowing skink. Lauren Liebhaber, Miami Herald, 13 Aug. 2025 The novel, after all, can be read today as an unknowing precursor to Interview with a Vampire or The Rocky Horror Picture Show. Literary Hub, 8 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for unknowing

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of unknowing was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Unknowing.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unknowing. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

unknowing

adjective
un·​know·​ing
ˌən-ˈnō-iŋ
: not knowing
unknowingly adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on unknowing

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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