Unawares

/ˌʌnəˈwɛrz/

Meaning & Definition

adverb

Without being aware or conscious of something; unexpectedly.

She walked into the surprise party unawares.

In a manner not known or realized.

He was caught unawares by the sudden change in weather.

Without prior knowledge or preparedness.

The announcement left many employees feeling unawares of the changes ahead.

From 'un-' meaning not and 'awares' as a variant of 'aware'.

caught unawares

to be taken by surprise

taken unawares

to be unprepared for something unexpected

unaware

not having knowledge of something

aware

having knowledge or perception of a situation or fact

caught off guard

I was totally caught off guard by the news.

not in the loop

She was not in the loop about the changes at work.