unknowing

adjective un·know·ing \ ˌən-ˈnō-iŋ \

Definition of unknowing

:not knowing

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unknowingly

play \ˌən-ˈnō-iŋ-lē\ adverb

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Examples of unknowing in a Sentence

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 of unknowing from the Web

A few Spartans put up videos on social media after wrapping up their final practice Thursday of them dancing and celebrating, both in the locker room and — as Gerald Holmes posted — on the field, right behind an unknowing Mark Dantonio.

— chris solari, Detroit Free Press, "1 last weekend off before Michigan State faces Bowling Green, moves beyond 2016," 25 Aug. 2017
Sarah Gadon stars as Grace Marks, who in 1843 was convicted of double homicide — although debate has lasted over whether or not Marks actually played a role in the murders or was just an unknowing witness.

— ethan sapienza, The Cut, "Alias Grace Trailer: Another Margaret Atwood Adaptation, This Time a Murder Mini-series," 24 July 2017
More than a few unknowing folks on social media read the more revolutionary passages as yet another assault on President Trump from the liberal media.

— will bunch, Philly.com, "Independence rings hollow on a July 4 with zero accountability," 5 July 2017
Like how Ana is an unknowing virgin who’s whisked into a life of BDSM with a handsome, extremely screwed up billionaire?

— gigi engle, Teen Vogue, "Consent and BDSM: What You Should Know," 1 July 2017
So how did the client, originally from Nebraska, become the unknowing owner of such valuable pieces?

— taysha murtaugh, Country Living, "This Retired Man Had No Idea the Paintings Sitting in His Garage Were Worth Millions," 14 June 2017
Even as one strives for high achievement, there are some dimensions of daily life that require equilibrium, the acceptance of dark and light, knowledge and unknowing, give and take.

— maria shine stewart, cleveland.com, "Not really an ending, commencement: Sun Messages," 2 June 2017
Testimony is under way Tuesday (March 21) in the trial of Dr. Alireza Sadeghi, accused of four counts of video voyeurism against unknowing patients.

— ken daley, NOLA.com, "Uptown surgeon Sadeghi closes case with no contest plea to misdemeanor," 16 May 2017
A policyholder may never have told them, or the money is designated to an unknowing institution like a church or charity.

— robert reed, chicagotribune.com, "Grudge match: State treasurer vs. insurance firms," 12 May 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'unknowing.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.