unaware

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "unaware" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a state of not knowing or being conscious of something. Example: "She was unaware of the changes made to the schedule until she arrived at the meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Lowe, unaware of the storm about to break above his head, reportedly turned to a friend and said "Damn!

The Guardian - Film

Deschamps claimed to be unaware of those comments and was much more restrained, with the France manager maintaining "it doesn't make sense" to look beyond the Nigeria game.

The Guardian - Sport

Even some Unionist MPs are unaware of who the republican sceptics are and what they are saying.

The Guardian

Trade union officers and the Labour party seemed to have been caught unaware of the reforms on Wednesday, and saying the proposals appeared to breach the previous understanding that reforms to the funding of political parties would be conducted on a bipartisan basis.

The Guardian

Related: Groundless anti-terror laws must go | Letters Many peers expressed concern, but when highlighting aspects of this invasive control of our universities, schools, and national institutions they seemed quite unaware that its provisions (through the Prevent policy, set up in 2011) are already having lethal effects across the country, closing down public space where freedom lives.

The Guardian - Opinion

David Cameron's appearance on Chris Evans's Radio 2 breakfast show has caused consternation at the BBC, with senior figures within the corporation unaware that the prime minister was booked to appear.

The Guardian

Every canvasser is defeated by the mind-blowing ignorance of those for whom "politics" is not on their radar, unaware how their daily struggles will be fought out in distant Westminster.

The Guardian - Opinion

At his long-awaited appearance on Thursday, Sinodinos confirmed that he was unaware of $74,000 donations from AWH to the NSW Liberal party while he was both AWH director/deputy chairman as well as treasurer of the state party.

The Guardian

Sinodinos, now a Liberal party senator, told Icac he was unaware of the donations to the party AWH had made and allegedly charged back to Sydney Water.

The Guardian

"It'll be something I haven't thought of that recommends me for those kind of roles, like my decadent jaw, which I was unaware of.

The Guardian - Film

Not that Kaberuka is unaware of the big impact of small investments.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "unaware", ensure the context clearly indicates what the subject is lacking awareness of. Using a prepositional phrase like "unaware of" helps provide clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "unaware" when the intended meaning is simply a lack of interest or concern. "Unaware" specifically means lacking knowledge, not necessarily lacking interest.

Linguistic Context

The adjective "unaware" primarily functions to describe a state of lacking knowledge or consciousness. This aligns with Ludwig's AI analysis, which confirms its adjectival role. It modifies nouns or pronouns, indicating a lack of awareness regarding a particular situation or fact, as seen in the example, "Lowe, unaware of the storm about to break above his head..."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "unaware" is a versatile adjective used to describe a state of lacking knowledge or consciousness. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and appropriateness across various contexts, predominantly in News & Media. While alternatives like "oblivious", "uninformed", and "ignorant" exist, each carries subtle nuances that can impact the overall meaning. To ensure clarity, always specify what the subject is "unaware of". By understanding its function, purpose, and register, writers can effectively use "unaware" to convey a lack of information or perception.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

oblivious

Implies a lack of awareness or attention to what is happening around you.

uninformed

Suggests a lack of information or knowledge about a particular subject.

ignorant

Highlights a lack of knowledge or awareness, often implying a broader lack of education or understanding.

clueless

Indicates a complete lack of understanding or awareness, often used in a more informal context.

incognizant

A more formal synonym for "unaware", suggesting a lack of knowledge or consciousness.

unmindful

Implies a lack of attention or consideration, suggesting a neglect of something important.

unconscious

Indicates a lack of awareness or perception, often referring to a state of being insensible.

heedless

Suggests a lack of attention or regard, often implying a disregard for potential consequences.

unsuspecting

Implies a lack of suspicion or awareness of potential danger or deception.

in the dark

A common idiom indicating a lack of knowledge or information about something.

FAQs

How to use "unaware" in a sentence?

"Unaware" is used to describe someone who lacks knowledge or consciousness of something. For example, "She was "unaware" of the danger". You can also say "He was "uninformed" about the risks".

What can I say instead of "unaware"?

Alternatives to "unaware" include "oblivious", "uninformed", "ignorant", or "clueless" depending on the specific context.

Which is correct, "unaware of" or "unaware about"?

"Unaware of" is the correct and more common phrasing. "Unaware about" is generally considered incorrect. For example, "He was "unaware of" the consequences" is correct.

What's the difference between "unaware" and "unconscious"?

"Unaware" means lacking knowledge or consciousness of something specific, while "unconscious" refers to a state of being insensible or lacking awareness in general. You can be "unaware" of a problem while still being fully conscious. You can also say "He was "unconscious" after the accident".