unknowing

American  

[uhn-noh-ing] / ʌnˈnoʊ ɪŋ /

adjective

1. ignorant or unaware.

   unknowing aid to the enemy.

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unknowing British  

/ ʌnˈnəʊɪŋ /

adjective

1. not knowing; ignorant

2. without knowledge or unaware (of)

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Other Word Forms

• unknowingly adverb

Etymology

Origin of unknowing

Middle English word dating back to 1250–1300; un- ¹, knowing

Example Sentences

If they take her case, the justices will decide whether the fraudulent acts of a third-party tax preparer should expose unknowing clients to audits that could reach years into the past.

From MarketWatch • Feb. 27, 2026

"It was stressful as it relates to the unknowing" of what was going to happen, Hardwick said of the shutdown, adding that people were "annoyed and frustrated" by the impasse.

From Barron's • Nov. 14, 2025

In an age of digital immediacy, film offers up these rare moments of unknowing, these chances for spontaneity.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 11, 2025

Sir Keir has stood by his culture secretary, telling her in reply that she had "acted in good faith", and he "noted the commissioner's findings that the error was unknowing".

From BBC • Nov. 7, 2025

When the victorious Greek Fleet put out to sea after the fall of Troy, many a captain, all unknowing, faced troubles as black as those he had brought down on the Trojans.

From "Mythology: Timeless Tales of Gods and Heroes" by Edith Hamilton