unaware

1 of 2

adjective

un·​aware ˌən-ə-ˈwer How to pronounce unaware (audio)
Synonyms of unawarenext
: not aware : ignorant
unaware of the problem
unawarely adverb
unawareness noun

unaware

2 of 2

adverb

: unawares

Synonyms of unaware

Relevance

Adjective

Adverb

See All Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Adjective
Many people are still unaware of how postpartum depression, anxiety and psychosis can show up for birthing parents, so more discussion is needed to demystify these conditions. — Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026 James, though loving and well-intentioned, can’t help but show his skepticism, repeatedly (and blithely unaware of his condescension) asking if his wife remembered to take her meds today. — Greg Evans, Deadline, 29 Aug. 2026 For much of the film, Julián falls for Ry while unaware of her illness or her family ties. — Lexy Perez, HollywoodReporter, 28 Aug. 2026 But according to records reviewed during a deposition of the park’s director of maintenance, state officials were allegedly unaware that maintenance workers had replaced a wheel on one of the train cars prior to their inspection. — Blake Ellis, CNN Money, 27 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for unaware

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1696, in the meaning defined above

Adverb

1581, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of unaware was in 1581

Rhymes for unaware

See All Rhymes for unaware

Browse Nearby Words

unawarded
unaware
unawaredly
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Unaware.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unaware. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

unaware

1 of 2 adverb
un·​aware ˌən-ə-ˈwa(ə)r How to pronounce unaware (audio)
-ˈwe(ə)r
: unawares

unaware

2 of 2 adjective
: not aware : ignorant
unawareness noun
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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