unaware
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
not knowing that something exists or is happening.
lacking knowledge or information about a specific situation or fact; often followed by the preposition 'of'.
Simple“She was completely unaware of the surprise party her friends were planning.”
In context“The investors remained largely unaware of the internal structural issues until the company's annual report was leaked to the press.”
UsageCommonly used in the pattern 'unaware of something' or 'unaware that...'.
PitfallHe 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 - 02 B2 Upper Intermediate
not noticing what is happening around you because you are busy or distracted.
failing to perceive or notice sensory stimuli or environmental changes; oblivious.
Simple“He walked across the street, totally unaware of the car coming toward him.”
In context“Deeply absorbed in her research, she seemed entirely unaware of the rising noise levels in the library around her.”
“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.”
From un- + aware.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.