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Definition of unwitting

unwitting

/ʌnˈwɪt.ɪŋ/
un · wit · ting
Adverb:unwittingly
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unwitting Lexical Profile

unwitting Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Not aware of the full facts or implications of a situation; acting without knowledge.

Example

"The courier became an unwitting accomplice in the financial fraud scheme."

2

Done without conscious intention; accidental or inadvertent.

Example

"His casual remark was an unwitting insult to the visiting delegation."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for unwitting
Antonyms
View all antonyms for unwitting

Word Nuance & Usage

'Unwitting' is almost exclusively used attributively (before a noun, as in 'an unwitting accomplice') rather than predicatively (one would say 'he was unaware,' not 'he was unwitting').

• Rhymes for unwitting

• Nearby Words

unwisely
unwished
unwitnessed
unwitting
unwittingly
unwon
unworkable

Word Origin & Etymology

From Old English 'unwitende', formed from the negative prefix 'un-' and 'witende', the present participle of 'witan' (to know, be aware of).

Cite this Entry

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