awareness

noun

aware·​ness ə-ˈwer-nəs How to pronounce awareness (audio)
: the quality or state of being aware : knowledge and understanding that something is happening or exists
promoting a heightened awareness of the problem
seemed to have only a slight awareness of what was going on
an acute awareness of subtle differences
They hope to raise awareness of endangered species, encouraging donations and attracting tourists to the region to support conservation efforts.New Scientist
The alternative press played a particularly important role in raising political awareness and facilitating mobilization against the regime in South Africa …Larry Diamond

Examples of awareness in a Sentence

while strolling in the big city, maintain an awareness of what's going on around you
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Our days in Lebanon were filled with uncertainty, violence and the constant awareness that life could drastically change in an instant. Dr. Ardem Patapoutian, CNN Money, 9 Apr. 2025 The Ministry urges Chinese nationals to carefully assess safety risks and increase their awareness of potential challenges when selecting U.S. states, particularly those affected by the new restrictions. Raja Krishnamoorthi, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 Apr. 2025 It's equipped with advanced lidar and stereo vision sensors for precise environmental awareness. Kurt Knutsson, Cyberguy Report, FOXNews.com, 9 Apr. 2025 The groups also plan assemblies and special events, including, for example, a week of activities themed around mental health awareness. Jackie Valley, Christian Science Monitor, 9 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for awareness

Word History

First Known Use

1839, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of awareness was in 1839

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Cite this Entry

“Awareness.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/awareness. Accessed 20 Apr. 2025.

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