unknowing

1 of 2

adjective

un·​know·​ing ˌən-ˈnō-iŋ How to pronounce unknowing (audio)
: not knowing
unknowingly adverb

unknowing

2 of 2

noun

Examples of unknowing in a Sentence

Adjective those unknowing people who think that the world is a kindly place are in for a rude awakening the poor woman has been the unknowing target of some pretty vicious gossip
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
The Mangusta has none, and traveling over tar strips and on certain road surfaces is enough to prompt unknowing passengers to inquire with some urgency as to the source of all that noise. Car and Driver, 13 Jan. 2023 Now axe-wielding and neck-snapping murderers, the duo have launched into a flesh-seeking rampage, honey-bent on killing not just their former human friend but descending on four unknowing college students staying at home in the woods. Abbey White, The Hollywood Reporter, 31 Aug. 2022
Noun
If anything, the adults have been a little bit irresponsible and kind of unknowing. Jason Parham, WIRED, 18 Oct. 2024 Who knew that jazz legends like Louis Armstrong was an unknowing pawn in the CIA’s plot to assassinate Congo prime minister Patrice Lumumba? Samantha Bergeson, IndieWire, 24 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for unknowing 

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of unknowing was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near unknowing

Cite this Entry

“Unknowing.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unknowing. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

unknowing

adjective
un·​know·​ing
ˌən-ˈnō-iŋ
: not knowing
unknowingly adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on unknowing

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!