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Definition of unwary

unwary

/ʌnˈwɛri/
un · war · y
Adverb:unwarily
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unwary Lexical Profile

unwary Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Not cautious or alert to potential dangers, deception, or problems; easily surprised or tricked.

Example

"The fraudulent email was cleverly designed to trick unwary consumers into revealing their bank passwords."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for unwary
Antonyms
View all antonyms for unwary

Word Nuance & Usage

Do not confuse 'unwary' (meaning not cautious or unsuspecting) with 'unweary' (meaning not tired or indefatigable).

• Rhymes for unwary

• Nearby Words

unwarned
unwarranted
unwarrantedly
unwary
unwashed
unwasted
unwatchable

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in the mid-16th century from the prefix 'un-' (not) and 'wary', which derives from the Old English 'wær' meaning cautious or aware.

Cite this Entry

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