unknowing

American  

[uhn-noh-ing] / ʌnˈnoʊ ɪŋ /

adjective

1. ignorant or unaware.

   unknowing aid to the enemy.

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unknowing British  

/ ʌnˈnəʊɪŋ /

adjective

1. not knowing; ignorant

2. without knowledge or unaware (of)

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Other Word Forms

• unknowingly adverb

Etymology

Origin of unknowing

Middle English word dating back to 1250–1300; un- ¹, knowing

Example Sentences

In the process, Debussy opened opera up to the unknowing.

From Los Angeles Times

Singer countered opening statements by lawyers for co-defendant Matt Borges that he was merely an unknowing or ancillary participant in Householder’s operation, saying, “Mr. Borges entered the enterprise with his eyes wide open.”

From Seattle Times

“Giant insurance companies have free rein to scam millions of seniors in Medigap, offering agents lavish vacations to steer unknowing beneficiaries into more expensive plans,” Ms. Warren said in a statement.

From New York Times

“I have not abandoned hope,” Sarah writes, “even though I am in a place defined by unknowing.”

From New York Times

One of his Caravaggio imitations was praised by an unknowing expert for its “extraordinary ‘archaeology.’”

From Washington Post