wariness

American  

[wair-ee-nis] / ˈwɛər i nɪs /

noun

1. the state or quality of being wary.

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Other Word Forms

• overwariness noun

Etymology

Origin of wariness

First recorded in 1545–55; wary + -ness

Explanation

Wariness is the characteristic of being very cautious or careful. It's smart to have certain amount of wariness when you approach a dog you don't know. Your wariness might cause you not to trust people when you first meet them — reserving judgment or waiting to see if they turn out to be reliable can both be evidence of wariness. Sometimes wariness is entirely appropriate, like when you move through a haunted house or handle a snake. The noun wariness comes from the adjective wary, or "cautious or careful," with its Old English root, wær, "prudent, aware, or alert."

Example Sentences

But "lawmakers are not fooled", said Iteanu, as enthusiasm for AI has not dispelled public wariness about its potential consequences.

From Barron's • Apr. 25, 2026

Individual investors’ increasing wariness toward risk was particularly evident on Wednesday, the J.P.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 6, 2026

When it was announced, there was wariness about how the comedy sketch show would translate for a British audience.

From BBC • Mar. 22, 2026

However, associates have said his wariness over the direction of CBS News under Weiss made his decision easier.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 5, 2026

Her expression was a mixture of the very young—when she first tasted the cola—and a kind of deep, sad wariness.

From "The Subtle Knife" by Philip Pullman

Related Words

• alertness
• vigilance