awareness

noun

aware·​ness ə-ˈwer-nəs How to pronounce awareness (audio)
: 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

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
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.
Do Good Weekend celebration centered on a classical concert, blood drive and food drive to raise money and awareness about food-insecure families battling illness. Melinda Moore, Chicago Tribune, 16 Jan. 2025 So use the Oscar and the Grammy telecasts to raise money and awareness. Mary McNamara, Los Angeles Times, 16 Jan. 2025 Celebrities are donating to relief funds, production companies are offering aid, and events are shifting focus to raise awareness and money for recovery efforts. Shelby Stewart, Essence, 16 Jan. 2025 Perception: situational awareness of the vehicle surroundings including obstacles and other racecars is especially important in multi-car races. Sabbir Rangwala, Forbes, 16 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for awareness 

Word History

First Known Use

1839, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of awareness was in 1839

Dictionary Entries Near awareness

Cite this Entry

“Awareness.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/awareness. Accessed 21 Jan. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on awareness

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