UNAWARES

short, unawares

(adverb) at a disadvantage; “I was caught short”

unawares

(adverb) suddenly and unexpectedly; “rain caught them unawares”; “sorrow comes to all, and to the young it comes with bittered agony because it takes them unawares”- A.Lincoln

unawares

(adverb) without forethought or plan; inadvertently; “came upon the diamond unawares”

Source: WordNet® 3.1

Etymology

Adverb

unawares (not comparable)

Unexpectedly or by surprise.

Inadvertently.

Without plan or forethought.

Source: Wiktionary

Un`a*wares", adv

Definition: , Without design or preparation; suddenly; without premeditation, unexpectedly. "Mercies lighting unawares." J. H. Newman. Lest unawares we lose This our high place, our sanctuary, our hill. Milton. At unaware, or At unawares, unexpectedly; by surprise. He breaks at unawares upon our walks. Dryden. So we met In this old sleepy town an at unaware. R. Browning.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition