Definition

1. Adjective:

   • Unknown, without the knowledge of: "Unbeknown" describes something that exists or happens without a particular person or group being aware of it. It is almost always used with the preposition "to" (as in "unbeknown to me").

2. Adverb:

   • Without someone's knowledge: "Unbeknown" can also function as an adverb, meaning that an action was performed in a way that kept it secret from someone. The form "unbeknownst" is more common in this adverbial use.

Usage and Examples

• Adjective (with 'to'):

  • A whole series of meetings had taken place, unbeknown to the board of directors.
  • Unbeknown to us, the deadline had been changed last week.

• Adverb (often as 'unbeknownst'):

  • She had already booked the flights, unbeknownst to her husband.
  • Unbeknownst to the public, the treaty had already been signed.

Advanced Usage and Notes

• "Unbeknownst" vs. "Unbeknown": "Unbeknownst" is a variant form that is more frequently used, especially in adverbial contexts. Both words share the same meaning.
  • Unbeknownst to the team, their manager was planning to resign.
• The word is formal and somewhat literary. In everyday speech, phrases like "without [someone's] knowledge" or "unknown to [someone]" are more common.

Variants and Related Words

• Unbeknownst (adj/adv): The more common variant of "unbeknown," with identical meaning.
• Unknown (adj): Not known or identified. (A more general synonym, not requiring the structure "to [someone]").

Synonyms

• Without someone's knowledge
• Unawares to
• Secret from

Idioms and Common Phrases

• Unbeknown to all: Without anyone's knowledge.
  • Unbeknown to all, he had been working on a solution for months.
• Do something unbeknownst to someone: To do something without informing a specific person.
  • He made a major investment unbeknownst to his business partner.

Adjective

1. (usually used with `to') occurring or existing without the knowledge of
   • a crisis unbeknown to me
   • she had been ill for months, unbeknownst to the family

Adverb

1. without someone's knowledge
   • unbeknownst to me, she made all the arrangements