unawares

[ uhn-uh-wairz ]

adverb

1. while not aware or conscious of a thing oneself; unknowingly or inadvertently.
2. without warning; by surprise; suddenly; unexpectedly:

   to come upon someone unawares.

unawares

/ ˌʌnəˈwɛəz /

adverb

1. without prior warning or plan; unexpectedly

   she caught him unawares

2. without being aware of or knowing

   he lost it unawares

Word History and Origins

Origin of unawares¹

First recorded in 1525–35; unaware + -s ¹

Example Sentences

The entire plot is driven by Blackthorne’s revelation that even the Christian lords’ European allies are secretly building an army with which they intend to take all of Japan unawares.

From New York Times

That the government is always caught unawares shows a depressing underinvestment in the waterworks of its cities and its rural areas.

From BBC

Because forecasters were caught unawares, so were local residents, who only expected perhaps a Category 2 storm.

From Scientific American

They were taken unawares and couldn't salvage anything, she tells me as beads of tears roll down her face.

From BBC

Our source said that the coup caught everyone unawares, despite rumours floating around Gen Nguema.

From BBC