unawares
Americanadverb
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while not aware or conscious of a thing oneself; unknowingly or inadvertently.
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without warning; by surprise; suddenly; unexpectedly.
to come upon someone unawares.
adverb
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without prior warning or plan; unexpectedly
she caught him unawares
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without being aware of or knowing
he lost it unawares
Etymology
Origin of unawares
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.
Harteveldt also said the airlines are making schedule changes well ahead of peak summer travel season so as not to catch travelers unawares.
From MarketWatch • Apr. 28, 2026
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
Although heavy rain had been battering the area for hours, many, like Guillermo Serrano Pérez and his family, were caught unawares by the force of the floods.
From BBC • Oct. 30, 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
“Johannes!” a voice boomed from somewhere behind me, taking me unawares, “We’ve come to take you back to school!”
From "Kaffir Boy: An Autobiography" by Mark Mathabane
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.
