unawares

From unaware +‎ -s (adverbial suffix). Attested earlier than unaware.

• IPA^(key): /ˌʌnəˈwɛə(ɹ)z/

• Audio (Southern England):

  (file)

• Rhymes: -ɛə(ɹ)z

unawares (not comparable)

1. Unexpectedly or by surprise.

   Your question catches/takes me unawares, I don't know the answer right now...

   • 1815 [1802], William Wordsworth, Resolution and Independence:

     And I with these untoward thoughts had striven, / I saw a Man before me unawares: / The oldest Man he seemed that ever wore grey hairs.

2. Inadvertently.

   I'm afraid I've taken the wrong coat, unawares.

3. Without plan or forethought.

• at unawares
• unaware (adjective)
• unawarely