unaware
uh-nuh-WEH-uh
Unaware (adj) means not knowing about or noticing something. Example: “Unaware of the danger, the children kept playing near the river.”
adj
1
Not knowing about or noticing something.
"Unaware of the danger, the children kept playing near the river."
"He walked out of the shop, unaware that he had left his wallet."
"She was unaware that her phone had been on silent all day."
How to use unaware
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishNot knowing or realizing something.
Common mistake
"Unaware" (adjective, "he was unaware") is different from "unawares" (adverb, "caught him unawares") — don't swap the two.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
unaware of the danger
blissfully unaware
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Word forms
- Comparative
- more unaware
- Superlative
- most unaware
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
_____ of the danger, the children kept playing near the river.
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for unaware
See all rhymes for unaware →Frequently asked questions
What does “unaware” mean?
The word “unaware” means not knowing about or noticing something. In plain terms, not knowing or realizing something.
How do you pronounce “unaware”?
“Unaware” is pronounced uh-nuh-WEH-uh (/ˌʌnəˈwɛɚ/ in IPA).
How do you use “unaware” in a sentence?
Here is “unaware” used in a sentence: “She was unaware that her phone had been on silent all day.”
What part of speech is “unaware”?
“Unaware” is an adjective.
Is “unaware” a common word?
“Unaware” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
What is the difference between "unaware" and "oblivious"?
Both mean not knowing about something, but "unaware" is neutral and simply states a lack of knowledge or notice. "Oblivious" is stronger and often suggests someone should have noticed but failed to, sometimes implying carelessness.
What is the difference between "unaware" and "unconscious"?
"Unaware" means not knowing about or noticing something while still fully awake and alert. "Unconscious" means not awake or not responsive, as after fainting, so you should not use "unaware" to describe someone who has lost consciousness.
What preposition follows "unaware"?
"Unaware" is usually followed by "of" plus a noun, as in "unaware of the danger," or by "that" plus a clause, as in "unaware that he was being watched." It is not normally followed by "about."
Is "unaware" the same as "not aware"?
"Unaware" and "not aware" mean essentially the same thing, but "unaware" is a single, slightly more formal adjective. Both are correct, and the choice is often a matter of style and sentence rhythm.
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