Dictionary

unawares

adverb un·awares \-ˈwerz\

: without warning

Full Definition of UNAWARES

: without design, attention, preparation, or premeditation

: without warning : suddenly, unexpectedly

See unawares defined for English-language learners

See unawares defined for kids

un- + aware + -s, adverb suffix, from Middle English, from -s, genitive singular ending of nouns — more at -s

First Known Use: 1530

Synonyms: aback, suddenly, unanticipatedly, unaware, unexpectedly, all of a sudden, off base

UNAWARES Defined for Kids

adverb un·awares \ˌən-ə-ˈwerz\

: without warning : by surprise <“The danger is being caught unawares.” — Gail Carson Levine, Ella Enchanted>

: without knowing : unintentionally <I came upon them unawares.>

Next Word in the Dictionary: unawedPrevious Word in the Dictionary: unawaredlyAll Words Near: unawares

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