unwitting

/ˈʌnˌwɪdɪŋ/

Use the adjective unwitting to describe someone who doesn't know certain important information, such as unwitting computer users who don't know that an online shopping site is tracking all their activity.

Unwitting can also describe something you do almost automatically, like the unwitting way you double-check that the door is locked when leaving the house. It can also indicate that something is done without intention, like an unwitting arrival at a by-invitation-only event. Wit means "clever," so something that is unwitting is not clever.

Definitions of unwitting

1. adjective

   not aware or knowing
   “an unwitting subject in an experiment”

   synonyms:

   incognizant, unaware

   (often followed by `of') not aware

   antonyms:

   witting

   aware or knowing

   aware, cognisant, cognizant

   having or showing knowledge or understanding or realization or perception (sometimes followed by 'of')
2. adjective

   not done with purpose or intent
   “an unwitting mistake may be overlooked”

   synonyms: unintentional, unplanned

   unintended

   not deliberate
3. adjective

   unaware because of a lack of relevant information or knowledge
   “his rudeness was unwitting”

   synonyms: ignorant, unknowing, unknowledgeable

   uninformed

   not informed; lacking in knowledge or information