unwary

[uhn-wair-ee] / ʌnˈwɛər i /

ADJECTIVE

thoughtless, heedless

Synonyms

WEAK

brash careless credulous hasty ignorant ill-advised impetuous imprudent incautious inconsiderate indiscreet negligent rash reckless unadvised unalert uncircumspect unguarded unprepared unsuspecting unsuspicious unvigilant unwatchful

Antonyms

WEAK

cautious heeding mindful thoughtful wary

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.

And easy money can backfire on the unwary.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 11, 2026

Together, the unwary helper and its passenger travel in search of a new host, where the viral drama will unfold again.

From Salon • Nov. 9, 2023

The creepiest by far is “dead men’s fingers,” Decaisnea fargesii, whose pewter-blue, fingerlike fruits stand out against butter-yellow foliage and reach out to unwary visitors.

From Seattle Times • Oct. 17, 2023

There is no suggestion of environmental police guarding the entrances to Eryri, removing single-use plastic from unwary visitors.

From BBC • Jun. 9, 2023

The Iron Throne was full of traps for the unwary.

From "A Game of Thrones" by George R.R. Martin

Vocabulary lists containing unwary

The Jungle

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A Wizard of Earthsea

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