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

Despite the history, there’s still far less awareness of Northland as a wine hub than destinations such as Marlborough or Central Otago. —Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 29 Mar. 2025

His size, spatial awareness and experience (with over 2,400 collegiate snaps) could turn him into a Day 1 starter at the next level. —James Boyd, New York Times, 28 Mar. 2025

What began as a campaign for awareness quickly evolved into industry-defining moments — shifting the conversation from hearing loss to hearing life. —Bill Schiffmiller, Forbes.com, 28 Mar. 2025

As more states move toward legalization and federal reform discussions continue, 4/20 remains a crucial date for advocacy, awareness, and policy progress in the cannabis movement. —Matt Rozo, Mercury News, 28 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1839, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing awareness

• hyper-awareness
• self-awareness

Rhymes for awareness

• unawareness
• bareness
• fairness
• squareness
• unfairness