WordGarden.iounaware
B2Pronunciation
UK
- /ˌʌnəwˈeə/
US
- /ˌənəˈwɛr/
Meanings
Adjective
not knowing about something or not noticing it
Beyond the definition
To be unaware of something means you do not know about it or do not notice it, like being lost in thought and missing the beautiful sunset right behind you. It is more than simply forgetting; it means there is no knowledge or clear sense of what is happening. A detective might try to find out whether a suspect was unaware of a crime, meaning the person did not know it was happening. Sometimes this can feel peaceful, but other times it can lead to trouble. Think of a child unaware of danger near a busy street.
Imagine you're deeply engrossed in a captivating book, lost within its pages. You might be completely unaware of the sounds around you – the birds chirping, the traffic humming, even someone calling your name. That's the essence of "unaware": lacking knowledge or realization of something happening or existing.
It's stronger than simply "not knowing." It suggests a lack of perception, an absence of consciousness regarding a particular fact or situation. Someone might be unaware of social cues, meaning they don't pick up on subtle hints or body language. A company could be unaware of the negative impact their actions are having on the environment.
The context often dictates the nuance. Being unaware can be innocent – a simple lack of information. But it can also imply negligence or a failure to pay attention. "He claimed he was unaware of the rules, but everyone else knew them," suggests he should have known better.
You'll often see "unaware" paired with words like "completely," "totally," or "entirely" to emphasize the extent of the lack of knowledge. It's a word that highlights a gap in understanding, whether it's a minor oversight or a significant blind spot. So next time you find yourself lost in thought, remember – you might be wonderfully unaware of the world around you!
Examples
- 1
Rules
She was unaware of the rule and parked in the wrong place.
- 2
Schedule change
We were unaware that the meeting had been moved to Friday.
- 3
Social tension
He seemed unaware of the tension between his two friends.
- 4
Parenting
Many parents are unaware of how much time their children spend online.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Safety recall
The company said it was unaware of any safety problems before the recall.
- 6
Private property
Tourists sometimes enter the area unaware that it is private property.
- 7
Peaceful ignorance
The baby slept through the storm, blissfully unaware of the noise outside.
- Phraseblissfully unaware
not noticing something unpleasant, and so staying calm or happy
See also
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- unawareadjective