awareness

American  

[uh-wair-nis] / əˈwɛər nɪs /

noun

1. the state or condition of being aware; having knowledge; consciousness.

   The object of the information drive is to raise awareness of what spreads HIV/AIDS.

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Other Word Forms

• hyperawareness noun
• overawareness noun
• self-awareness noun

Etymology

Origin of awareness

aware + -ness

Explanation

Awareness is the state of knowing something, such as the awareness that the sun comes up every morning. The adjective aware gets turned into a noun when the suffix -ness is added, so awareness is the state of being aware, or having knowledge of something. Its roots are Germanic, and come from the Old English wær meaning "wary, cautious." Awareness can be something you notice, want to tell others about, or already know. You could "raise awareness" of a cause, like fighting breast cancer. Yet, your awareness of the baby sleeping next door might prevent you from having band practice in the garage. Smart move.

Example Sentences

“This was an unfortunate accident that could have been prevented if there was more awareness for e-bike safety.”

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 17, 2026

Yeah, it’s architecture and design, but it’s also everything from civic awareness to infrastructure, or what I’ve recently been calling, “us and the city.”

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 13, 2026

"We have spoken with pupils in our schools and have also lettered parents for awareness."

From BBC • Apr. 13, 2026

Detection is the foundation: radar, radio-frequency sensing, acoustic systems and electro-optical cameras that establish airspace awareness before a threat materializes.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 13, 2026

It was good for the kids to have some awareness of such prejudices, but to see Zeitoun disappointed, to get him so worked up after a long day—it wasn’t worth it.

From "Zeitoun" by Dave Eggers

Related Words

• alertness
• appreciation
• attention
• consciousness
• information
• perception
• realization
• recognition
• understanding