unalerted
Kept in darkness
Unalerted means not having been warned or notified of something requiring attention.
Someone unalerted remains unaware of a danger, development, or opportunity that others may know about: The unalerted guards didn't notice the breach.
The word appears most often in contexts involving security, emergencies, or missed communications.
Lacking necessary knowledge
- unsuspectingNot anticipating danger
- unknowingLacking awareness or information
- obliviousLacking any awareness
- ignorantLacking knowledge or awareness
clueless · unnotified · unbriefed · uninstructed · unadvised · unwitting · unacquainted · unfamiliar
Abruptly surprised or alarmed
- shockedDeeply startled or appalled
- ambushedAttacked from concealment
- taken abackShocked into momentary confusion
- blindsidedSurprised by unforeseen impact
jolted · astonished · stunned · rattled · jarred · shaken · unsettled
Not paying attention
- heedlessCareless of consequences
- unmindfulLacking awareness or attention
- unwatchfulNot paying attention
- unvigilantNot paying attention
negligent · careless · distracted · preoccupied · unfocused · unheeding · disregardful · inadvertent
uninformed
Lacking necessary knowledge
- unsuspectingNot anticipating danger
- unknowingLacking awareness or information
- obliviousLacking any awareness
ignorant · clueless · unnotified · unbriefed · uninstructed · unadvised · unwitting · unacquainted · unfamiliar · uncommunicated
startled
Abruptly surprised or alarmed
- shockedDeeply startled or appalled
- ambushedAttacked from concealment
- taken abackShocked into momentary confusion
blindsided · jolted · astonished · stunned · rattled · jarred · shaken · unsettled
unobservant
Not paying attention
- heedlessCareless of consequences
- unmindfulLacking awareness or attention
- unwatchfulNot paying attention
unvigilant · negligent · careless · distracted · preoccupied · unfocused · unheeding · disregardful · inadvertent