unaware

1 of 2

adjective

un·​aware ˌən-ə-ˈwer 

: not aware : ignorant

unaware of the problem

unawarely adverb

unawareness noun

unaware

2 of 2

adverb

: unawares

Synonyms

Adjective

• clueless
• ignorant
• incognizant
• innocent
• insensible
• nescient
• oblivious
• unacquainted
• unconscious
• uninformed
• unknowing
• unmindful
• unwitting

Adverb

• aback
• suddenly
• unanticipatedly
• unawares
• unexpectedly

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

Adjective

But Hayes was unaware of her athletic capabilities. —Baz Bamigboye, Deadline, 10 Jan. 2025

When Zendaya slyly revealed her engagement to Tom Holland at the 2025 Golden Globes, Carol Han Pyle was unaware of the buzz at first. —Michelle Lee, People.com, 8 Jan. 2025

The complaint also alleges that Experian failed to inform consumers of the results of reinvestigations, leaving them unaware of the status and outcomes of their disputes. —Kevin Lynn, Newsweek, 7 Jan. 2025

The cargo had been a top priority, transported across the Pacific in record time, with the crew largely unaware of its significance. —Scott Travers, Forbes, 5 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1696, in the meaning defined above

Adverb

1581, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

unaware

1 of 2 adverb

un·​aware ˌən-ə-ˈwa(ə)r 

-ˈwe(ə)r

: unawares

unaware

2 of 2 adjective

: not aware : ignorant

unawareness noun