Definition

Adverb 1. Without warning; unexpectedly; by surprise: Refers to something happening suddenly when one is not prepared or alert. 2. Without prior planning or intent; inadvertently: Refers to doing something without conscious design or forethought.

Examples of Usage

• The sudden storm caught the hikers unawares.
• The news of his resignation took the entire company unawares.
• He came upon the old cottage unawares while walking through the woods.
• In his speech, he revealed the truth unawares, not realizing the implications of his words.

Advanced Usage

• To be taken unawares: To be completely surprised or caught off guard by an event.
  • The sudden market crash took many investors unawares.
• To catch someone unawares: To surprise someone by doing something when they are not expecting it.
  • The photographer tried to catch his subject unawares for a more natural portrait.

Variants and Related Words

• Unaware (Adjective): Not having knowledge or perception of a situation or fact.
  • He was unaware of the changes to the schedule.

Synonyms

• Unexpectedly
• Suddenly
• By surprise
• Unintentionally
• Inadvertently

Related Idioms

• Off guard: In a state of being unprepared.
  • The tricky question caught her off guard. (This is a close synonym for "unawares" in the context of being surprised.)

Adverb

1. at a disadvantage
   • I was caught short
2. suddenly and unexpectedly
   • rain caught them unawares
   • sorrow comes to all, and to the young it comes with bittered agony because it takes them unawares- A.Lincoln
3. without forethought or plan; inadvertently
   • came upon the diamond unawares