unawares

American  

[uhn-uh-wairz] / ˌʌn əˈwɛərz /

adverb

1. while not aware or conscious of a thing oneself; unknowingly or inadvertently.

2. without warning; by surprise; suddenly; unexpectedly.

   to come upon someone unawares.

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unawares British  

/ ˌʌnəˈwɛəz /

adverb

1. without prior warning or plan; unexpectedly

   she caught him unawares

2. without being aware of or knowing

   he lost it unawares

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Etymology

Origin of unawares

First recorded in 1525–35; unaware + -s ¹

Example Sentences

Federal prosecutors disagreed, indicating they were caught unawares by his removal and still hoped to bring Flores to trial — if he ever returns to the U.S.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 21, 2026

Muir added the bonus point before half-time, as Ben Spencer ran down the blindside from a scrum to catch Saracens unawares before passing to the winger, who sprinted over a tackle into the corner.

From BBC • Dec. 28, 2024

The entire plot is driven by Blackthorne’s revelation that even the Christian lords’ European allies are secretly building an army with which they intend to take all of Japan unawares.

From New York Times • Apr. 23, 2024

Because forecasters were caught unawares, so were local residents, who only expected perhaps a Category 2 storm.

From Scientific American • Oct. 25, 2023

“You took me unawares, my lord. I was not told of your coming.”

From "A Dance with Dragons" by George R. R. Martin