# unknowingly

/ənˈnoʊɪŋɫi/ (US) · /ʌnnˈəʊɪŋli/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Adverb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/unknowingly
Updated: 2026-05-08

## Definition

doing something without realizing it. You use this when you don't have the information or awareness that you are doing a specific thing.

For teachers: without knowledge or awareness of a particular fact or situation. Often modifies verbs related to participation or influence.

## Examples

- She unknowingly walked into the wrong meeting room.
- The hikers unknowingly crossed the border into the neighboring country while following an unmarked trail.
- By signing the updated terms of service without reading the fine print, many users unknowingly granted the company permission to sell their browsing data to third-party advertisers.

## Pitfalls

- Not "He did it unknowing" but "He did it unknowingly" — Learners often use the adjective 'unknowing' where the adverb 'unknowingly' is required to modify an action.

## Usage notes

- Typically placed before the verb it modifies or at the end of the clause.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.