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Definition of unawares

unawares

/ˌʌn.əˈwɛərz/
un · a · wares
Adjective:unaware
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unawares Lexical Profile

unawares Game Scores & Validity

• adverb

1

Unexpectedly or by surprise; without prior warning or preparation (especially in the phrase 'catch' or 'take someone unawares').

Example

"The sudden summer downpour caught the hikers completely unawares."

2

Without realizing or being conscious of what is happening; unknowingly or inadvertently.

Example

"While browsing the antique shop, they stumbled unawares upon a rare first-edition novel."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for unawares
Antonyms
View all antonyms for unawares

Word Nuance & Usage

"Unawares" is strictly an adverb (most commonly used in phrases like "catch/take someone unawares" or "happen unawares"), whereas "unaware" is a predicate adjective (as in "she was unaware of the rule").

• Rhymes for unawares

• Nearby Words

unaware
unawarely
unawareness
unawares
unbacked
unbaited
unbaked

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in the 16th century from "unaware" plus the adverbial genitive suffix "-s" (as also seen in "towards" and "besides").

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Unawares. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/unawares
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