unwary

/ʌnˈweəri/ (bre, ipa) · [ənwˈɛri] /ʌnˈweri/ (ame, ipa) · [ənwˈɛri] /ˌən-ˈwer-ē How to pronounce unwary (audio)/ (ame, mw)

unwary — adjective

  • unwarypositive
  • more unwarycomparative
  • most unwarysuperlative

1. not paying enough attention to danger or trickery, so you are easy to surprise,

1.形容詞C1
釋義

not paying enough attention to danger or trickery, so you are easy to surprise, harm, or fool

例句

On the foggy path, the <hl>unwary</hl> hikers stepped onto thin ice.

common attributive pattern: unwary + plural noun

Beatriz was <hl>unwary</hl> and read her card number to a caller.

predicative use in a scam context

同義詞
  • careless

    broader everyday word for not giving enough attention; it does not always involve danger or deceit

  • unsuspecting

    focuses on not expecting harm, often describing a victim in one situation

  • gullible

    narrower and stronger; emphasises believing false stories too easily

反義詞
  • wary

    careful because you sense possible danger or dishonesty

  • cautious

    careful in a broad way to avoid risks or mistakes

  • alert

    ready to notice and react quickly

文法句型

unwary + noun

be + unwary

remain + unwary

用法筆記

Often used in warnings about people who do not notice danger until it is too late. It is especially common before a noun, and it usually describes a risky moment rather than someone's permanent personality.

常見錯誤

❌I was unwary that the step was broken.
✅I was unaware that the step was broken.
💡'unwary' means not cautious, not simply not knowing a fact.
❌She was unwary with her math homework.
✅She was careless with her math homework.
💡'unwary' is usually used for danger, surprise, or deception, not ordinary study mistakes.