awareness

noun

aware·​ness ə-ˈwer-nəs 

: the quality or state of being aware : knowledge and understanding that something is happening or exists

promoting a heightened awareness of the problem

seemed to have only a slight awareness of what was going on

an acute awareness of subtle differences

They hope to raise awareness of endangered species, encouraging donations and attracting tourists to the region to support conservation efforts.

—New Scientist

The alternative press played a particularly important role in raising political awareness and facilitating mobilization against the regime in South Africa …

—Larry Diamond

Synonyms

• advertence
• advertency
• attention
• cognizance
• consciousness
• ear
• eye
• heed
• knowledge
• mindfulness
• note
• notice
• observance
• observation

Examples of awareness in a Sentence

while strolling in the big city, maintain an awareness of what's going on around you

Recent Examples on the Web

These levels of control are achieved through a deep understanding of dogs coupled with rigorous training that focuses on obedience and situational awareness. —Kyle J. Russell, USA TODAY, 25 Sep. 2024

Their Human Leader Compass describes a set of leadership mindsets and skills linked to awareness, compassion, and wisdom that leaders should develop to enhance their effectiveness. —Matthew Smith, Forbes, 24 Sep. 2024

Although those might be goofy, the leafless tree is meant to raise awareness of drought and climate change, according to Brian Baihaki, who submitted it to the Unicode Consortium. —Jordan Valinsky, CNN, 23 Sep. 2024

Content creator Matt Bernstein, who uses he and they pronouns, brought greater awareness to DeAngelis’ alleged past in a now-viral post to X on Friday. —James Factora, Them, 23 Sep. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1839, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing awareness

• hyper-awareness
• self-awareness