unwitting

Everyday

1. Unwitting means not knowing or not aware of what you are doing or what is happening. tree →
2. Unwitting can describe something done by accident, without meaning to, like an unwitting mistake. tree →

In the lessons

In stories and news: an unwitting helper, unwitting victim, unwitting accomplice who helps a crime without knowing. It tells the reader a character did not realise. Adverb «unwittingly» is common: «she unwittingly told the secret».

Examples

• The postman was an unwitting helper in the robbery. tree →
• She made an unwitting mistake on the map. tree →
• The unwitting tourist bought a fake ticket. tree →
• He unwittingly gave away the surprise. tree →
• The cat was an unwitting star of the video. tree →
• Unwitting people can spread fake news. tree →

Note

From old «wit», meaning to know. Close to «unknowing», «unaware». Opposite: «witting» (rare), usually «knowing» or «deliberate».