unwary

[uhn-wair-ee]

adjective

unwarier, unwariest 

1. not wary; not cautious or watchful, as against danger or misfortune.

   Synonyms: heedless, rash, indiscreet, incautious
   Antonyms: cautious, careful

unwary

/ ʌnˈwɛərɪ /

adjective

1. lacking caution or prudence; not vigilant or careful

Other Word Forms

• unwarily adverb
• unwariness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of unwary¹

First recorded in 1570–80; un- ¹ + wary

Example Sentences

To an unwary listener, that sounds like another major achievement.

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There’s just too much uninformed, misinformed and self-interested commentary washing about in the investment sphere, too easily accessed by unwary and novice investors.

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The golf stories are narrated by the “oldest member” of an upper-class golf club who buttonholes unwary younger members to regale them with his memories of golfers he has known.

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Employment data bristle with pitfalls for the unwary, even among experienced economists such as Ohanian.

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Untethered to any fundamental values, these markets would be exceptionally easy to manipulate and hard to police, further endangering unwary investors.

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