Not knowing or realizing something is happening or exists
Examples:
She was unaware of the approaching deadline.The hikers were unaware of the dangerous weather conditions.Many were unaware that the exhibit was free to visit.
Synonyms:
Antonyms:
Unawares
Being not aware or prepared for something; taken by surprise
Examples:
She was caught unawares by the sudden downpour.The crisis hit the company unawares, disrupting plans.Taken unawares, he spilled his drink in surprise.
Synonyms:
Antonyms:
Ways to tell them apart:
Unaware is an adjective, while unawares is an adverb.
Typically, unaware modifies nouns, such as in he was unaware of the situation.
Unawares often comes after a verb to indicate how someone was caught or taken, as in he was caught unawares.
Remember unaware as lacking awareness, while unawares implies by surprise.
In terms of usage, unaware fits with descriptive sentences, whereas unawares fits with narrative or event-related contexts.