English Reference

Word

awareness

Phoneticsaware·ness

US/əˈwɛɹnəs/

UK/ɐwˈeənəs/

Definitions

01knowledge of a situation

B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun

n. knowing that something exists or understanding a situation.

n. the state of being conscious of something; the ability to perceive or be cognizant of a fact or situation.

“The campaign aims to raise public awareness of the importance of recycling.”

“Environmental groups are working to increase public awareness of the long-term consequences of plastic pollution in our oceans.”

Usage

Commonly used with the verbs 'raise', 'increase', or 'heighten'.

Pitfall

He has a great awareness about the problem.

He has a great awareness of the problem.

Use the preposition 'of' after awareness to show what someone knows about.

Synonyms

02physical consciousness

C1 · Advanced Uncountable noun Technical

n. the state of being awake and able to see, hear, and feel what is happening around you.

n. the state or level of consciousness where sensory data can be confirmed by an observer.

“The patient began to regain awareness a few hours after the surgery.”

“The medical team monitored the patient's fluctuating levels of awareness following the traumatic head injury.”

Usage

Often used in medical or psychological contexts to describe a state of being.

Antonyms

Collocations

Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “awareness” in context.

Verb

01. promote awareness

“The charity works hard to promote awareness of rare diseases through social media.”

verb + noun

Adjective

02. general awareness

“The campaign aims to improve general awareness of mental health issues in the workplace.”

adj + noun

03. increased awareness

“There is increased awareness of the importance of recycling among young people.”

adj + noun

04. increasing awareness

“Schools are playing a vital role in increasing awareness about online safety.”

adj + noun

Real-World Examples

“But if we raise awareness among market vendors, they can themselves donate a bucket or two for handwashing ,” he said.”
UN News 10 Aug 2026
“Each year, awareness campaigns run urging parents not to buy their kids an e-scooter for Christmas.”
BBC News 22 Jul 2026
“She wishes there was more awareness of the issue.”
BBC News 3 Aug 2026

Etymology

From aware + -ness.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Word family

NOUN

awareness(B2)

ADJECTIVE

Related words

This entry

Exam level
CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
Frequency
Common
Level
B2 · Upper IntermediateOxford
Updated

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