unawares

[uhn-uh-wairz]

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.

unawares

/ ˌʌnəˈwɛəz /

adverb

1. without prior warning or plan; unexpectedly

   she caught him unawares

2. without being aware of or knowing

   he lost it unawares

Word History and Origins

Origin of unawares¹

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.”

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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.

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

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

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

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