awareness
Americannoun
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Inflected Forms
Nouns
Etymology
Origin of awareness
Explanation
Awareness is the state of knowing something, such as the awareness that the sun comes up every morning. The adjective aware gets turned into a noun when the suffix -ness is added, so awareness is the state of being aware, or having knowledge of something. Its roots are Germanic, and come from the Old English wær meaning "wary, cautious." Awareness can be something you notice, want to tell others about, or already know. You could "raise awareness" of a cause, like fighting breast cancer. Yet, your awareness of the baby sleeping next door might prevent you from having band practice in the garage. Smart move.
Vocabulary lists containing awareness
Legend
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Schooled
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
Earth Day
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
As these adaptable predators continue expanding across Europe, researchers say public awareness, citizen science, and carefully targeted conservation efforts will be essential for protecting the continent's native biodiversity.
From Science Daily • Jul. 11, 2026
Whoop and Oura boasted a similar rate of consumer awareness in the U.S. until around 2024, when more people began to recognize the Oura brand, according to data-intelligence firm Morning Consult.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jul. 8, 2026
The MIB believes, at the very least, more needs to be done to raise awareness of the law.
From BBC • Jul. 7, 2026
I would say your skill falls somewhere between like situational awareness and ADHD.
From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 7, 2026
Perhaps they both were, and there was such brilliance in the endless careless diamonds of light, but there was awareness, too, and urgency.
From "Strange the Dreamer" by Laini Taylor
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
