unawares
Americanadverb
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while not aware or conscious of a thing oneself; unknowingly or inadvertently.
-
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
-
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
He "sent it" around the outside with full commitment, and caught Piastri - an instinctive and clinical racer himself, normally - unawares.
From BBC ● May 18, 2025
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
She also took to walking around the house in her stocking feet, trying to catch me unawares as I scrubbed or dusted or polished, often with Ruth at my side.
From "Chains" by Laurie Halse Anderson
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Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
