English vocabulary · C1
Unwitting
/ʌnˈwɪtɪŋ/ · adj.
Someone unwitting acts without knowing the truth. The person may cause a result but does not know what is happening.
Watch the Unwitting lessonContinue in the learning app for video lessons and review.
Example sentences
- She was an unwitting part of the prank.
- Unwitting buyers chose a fake.
Word origin and roots
from Old English
- un — not (from Old English)
- wit — know (from Old English)
Synonyms and nuances
- UNAWARE — does not know (Missing The Facts)
- UNKNOWING — does not realize (Acts Without Knowing)
- CLUELESS — understands nothing (Has No Idea)
Similar words
- unaware
- unsuspecting
- ignorant
- oblivious
- unknowing
Lesson notes
Someone unwitting acts without knowing the truth. The person may cause a result but does not know what is happening.
Related: unaware, unknowing, clueless. Use unwitting when someone acts without knowing.
She was an unwitting part of the prank. Unwitting buyers chose a fake.
From Old English. Un- means not. Wit- means know. Not knowing the plan makes you unwitting.