unawares

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Harteveldt also said the airlines are making schedule changes well ahead of peak summer travel season so as not to catch travelers unawares.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 28, 2026

As the plane door opened, the couple were caught unawares.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 1, 2025

The entire plot is driven by Blackthorne’s revelation that even the Christian lords’ European allies are secretly building an army with which they intend to take all of Japan unawares.

From New York Times • Apr. 23, 2024

That the government is always caught unawares shows a depressing underinvestment in the waterworks of its cities and its rural areas.

From BBC • Oct. 31, 2023

The hosts of Morgul intent on their prey, taken at unawares in wild career, broke, scattering like sparks in a gale.

From "The Return of the King" by J.R.R. Tolkien