adv
unawares
uh-nuh-WEH-uhz
Unawares (adv) means By surprise; without warning. Example: “The sudden downpour caught the hikers unawares.”
adv
1
By surprise; without warning.
"The sudden downpour caught the hikers unawares."
2
Without meaning to; accidentally.
"He let the secret slip unawares during the conversation."
How to use unawares
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishCaught off guard, or done without intending to.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
catch someone unawares
taken unawares
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Etymology
From unaware + the adverbial -s ending, and actually recorded in English before "unaware" itself.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for unawares
See all rhymes for unawares →Frequently asked questions
What does “unawares” mean?
The word “unawares” means by surprise; without warning. In plain terms, caught off guard, or done without intending to.
How do you pronounce “unawares”?
“Unawares” is pronounced uh-nuh-WEH-uhz (/ˌʌnəˈwɛə(ɹ)z/ in IPA).
How do you use “unawares” in a sentence?
Here is “unawares” used in a sentence: “The sudden downpour caught the hikers unawares.”
What part of speech is “unawares”?
“Unawares” is an adverb.
How many meanings does “unawares” have?
“Unawares” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: by surprise; without warning.
