English Reference
Adjective

unsuspecting

adj.
B2 Upper Intermediate US /ˌənsəˈspɛktɪŋ/ UK /ʌnsəspˈɛktɪŋ/ un·sus·pect·ing

adj.not aware that something bad or dangerous is about to happen. You use this to describe someone who is easily tricked because they do not suspect any trouble.

adj.not aware of any impending danger or deception; lacking suspicion. Often used to describe the target of a prank, crime, or surprise.


SIMPLE

The thief stole the wallet from an unsuspecting tourist.

CONTEXTUAL

The pranksters waited behind the door for an unsuspecting colleague to walk into the room.

COMPLEX

The software update contained a hidden virus that quietly harvested data from thousands of unsuspecting users who believed they were simply improving their system's security.

Usage

Typically used attributively before the noun it modifies.

In other cases, unsuspecting couriers and delivery workers have effectively been used as mules.

The Guardian· 23 Aug 2026

The Mail published more than a dozen pictures taken of the unsuspecting woman getting out of a vehicle and socializing with two others outside a restaurant.

The Guardian· 21 Aug 2026
This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Occasional
Updated