unsuspecting
Britishadjective
Other Word Forms
Explanation
If you're unsuspecting, you are innocent and trusting. An unsuspecting tourist will be blissfully unaware that the smiling old lady on the subway has stolen his wallet. If you lack a sense of suspicion or distrust, especially in the face of some kind of danger, you're unsuspecting. A criminal's unsuspecting victims find themselves utterly surprised that they've been robbed, and an unsuspecting hiker wanders right into a bear's den. In both cases, a little bit of suspicion would have served them well.
Vocabulary lists containing unsuspecting
Wonder
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The Hate U Give
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Small as an Elephant
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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.
Unsuspecting investors are told bitcoin isn’t just a trade — it’s insurance against the dollar — and, any day now, central banks will buy it.
From MarketWatch • Dec. 8, 2025
Unsuspecting sneaker waves did and could continue to hit the California coastline during the coastal flood and surf warnings.
From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 29, 2023
"Unsuspecting buyers part with their hard-earned money thinking that they've bought a bargain."
From BBC • Jan. 6, 2023
Unsuspecting guests will find their plates heaped and refilled, whether they ask for thirds or not.
From New York Times • Nov. 11, 2021
Unsuspecting, George energetically attacked my mother’s breast only to let go of it instantly and start hollering because of the hot pepper.
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.
