unwary

adjective

un·​wary ˌən-ˈwer-ē 

: not alert : easily fooled or surprised : heedless, gullible

cheats unwary tourists

unwarily

ˌən-ˈwer-ə-lē 

adverb

unwariness

ˌən-ˈwer-ē-nəs 

noun

Synonyms of unwary

• naive
• innocent
• unsuspecting
• inexperienced
• simple

Examples of unwary in a Sentence

The fast-moving tide sometimes surprises unwary swimmers.

e-mail scams that take advantage of unwary recipients

Recent Examples on the Web

Some legal experts said the outcome could lead unwary retirement investors to receive investment advice that's not in their best interest, and cause confusion about the legal obligations that brokers, insurance agents and other financial intermediaries owe to retail investors. —Greg Iacurci, CNBC, 30 Mar. 2026

That can create a trap for unwary taxpayers because the law requires taxpayers to sue for a refund within two years of the IRS disallowing it. —Tom Cullinan, Forbes.com, 20 Feb. 2026

Nothing can stop unwary parents from relying on the judgment of Donald Trump or Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to make healthcare decisions for their infants and children. —Michael Hiltzik, Twin Cities, 16 Oct. 2025

Rapid advances in artificial intelligence (AI) have given fraudsters a host of new tools to trick unwary individuals into dishonest schemes. —Ranjita Iyer, Forbes, 18 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1579, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for unwary

• askari
• astbury
• azeri
• banbury
• barberry
• blackberry
• blueberry
• canary
• cranberry
• dentary
• dewberry
• dogberry

Kids Definition

unwary

adjective

un·​wary ˌən-ˈwa(ə)r-ē 

-ˈwe(ə)r-, 

ˈən-

: not alert : easily fooled or surprised : heedless, gullible

the unwary buyer

unwarily

-ˈwar-ə-lē 

-ˈwer-

adverb

unwariness

-ˈwar-ē-nəs 

-ˈwer-

noun