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

Derived Forms

• unwariness
  noun
• unwarily
  adverb

Etymology

Origin of unwary

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

Explanation

Someone who's unwary isn't careful — in fact, an unwary person might be a little bit reckless. When your unwary cousin travels to China, he might end up being overcharged for a rickshaw ride. When you don't know the potential dangers or challenges that lie in front of you, you're unwary. While unwary people aren't overly suspicious or cautious, they run the risk of being taken advantage of or even getting hurt. To be wary is to be very watchful or cautious — it comes from the Old English root wær, "prudent, aware, or alert," and unwary combines it with un, or "not."

Example Sentences

And easy money can backfire on the unwary.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 11, 2026

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 • Oct. 31, 2025

Together, the unwary helper and its passenger travel in search of a new host, where the viral drama will unfold again.

From Salon • Nov. 9, 2023

The creepiest by far is “dead men’s fingers,” Decaisnea fargesii, whose pewter-blue, fingerlike fruits stand out against butter-yellow foliage and reach out to unwary visitors.

From Seattle Times • Oct. 17, 2023

The defenders had built watchfires along the hank, and perhaps the Lannisters thought to find them night-blind or unwary.

From "A Clash of Kings" by George R.R. Martin