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

I thought of Hebrews 13:2: “Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.”

From The Wall Street Journal

Europeans were left scrambling for a seat at the table last week, after they were seemingly caught unawares when the US draft peace plan was presented.

From BBC

When asked why the riverside summer camp was not evacuated, officials said the sudden scale of the deluge caught them unawares.

From BBC

As the plane door opened, the couple were caught unawares.

From Los Angeles Times

He "sent it" around the outside with full commitment, and caught Piastri - an instinctive and clinical racer himself, normally - unawares.

From BBC