Word
unaware
Phoneticsun·aware
US/ˌənəˈwɛɹ/
UK/ˌʌnəwˈeə/
Definitions
01not knowing a fact
B2 · Upper Intermediate
adj. not knowing that something exists or is happening.
adj. lacking knowledge or information about a specific situation or fact; often followed by the preposition 'of'.
“She was completely unaware of the surprise party her friends were planning.”
“The investors remained largely unaware of the internal structural issues until the company's annual report was leaked to the press.”
Usage
Commonly used in the pattern 'unaware of something' or 'unaware that...'.
Pitfall
He was unaware about the new rules.
He was unaware of the new rules.
Use the preposition 'of' after unaware when introducing the thing the person does not know.
Synonyms
02not noticing surroundings
B2 · Upper Intermediate
adj. not noticing what is happening around you because you are busy or distracted.
adj. failing to perceive or notice sensory stimuli or environmental changes; oblivious.
“He walked across the street, totally unaware of the car coming toward him.”
“Deeply absorbed in her research, she seemed entirely unaware of the rising noise levels in the library around her.”
Synonyms
Real-World Examples
“Police were allowed to search his phone but were unaware of his second device.” “The harbor porpoises seemed unaware of the bridge traffic thundering above them, let alone a scientist or two peering over the side.” Etymology
From un- + aware.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- 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
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/unaware