unawares Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. adverb without forethought or plan; inadvertently
    • came upon the diamond unawares
  2. adverb 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. adverb at a disadvantage
    short.
    • I was caught short

WordNet


Un`a*wares" adverb
Definitions
  1. , Without design or preparation; suddenly; without premeditation, unexpectedly. "Mercies lighting unawares." J. H. Newman.
    Lest unawares we lose This our high place, our sanctuary, our hill. Milton.

Webster 1913