unwary

American  

[uhn-wair-ee] / ʌnˈwɛər i /

adjective

unwarier, unwariest

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

   Synonyms:

   heedless, rash, indiscreet, incautious

   Antonyms:

   cautious, careful

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unwary British  

/ ʌnˈwɛərɪ /

adjective

1. lacking caution or prudence; not vigilant or careful

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Other Word Forms

• unwarily adverb
• unwariness noun

Etymology

Origin of unwary

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

Example Sentences

And easy money can backfire on the unwary.

From The Wall Street Journal

Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate includes a tart warning on the copyright page that the surname “is used by a number of publishers and may serve mainly to mislead an unwary buyer.”

From The Wall Street Journal

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

From Los Angeles Times

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.

From Los Angeles Times

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.

From Los Angeles Times