What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
unbeknownst
Example
Unbeknownst to her, the party was actually a surprise for her birthday. [unbeknownst: preposition]
Example
He continued to talk, unbeknownst to the fact that his microphone was off. [unbeknownst: adverb]
clueless
Example
I'm clueless when it comes to fixing cars. [clueless: adjective]
Example
She looked clueless during the math test. [clueless: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Clueless is more commonly used than unbeknownst in everyday language. Clueless is a slang term that is often used in informal settings, while unbeknownst is more formal and less common.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between unbeknownst and clueless?
Unbeknownst is typically associated with a formal tone and is used in formal writing or speech. On the other hand, clueless is informal and casual in tone, making it more suitable for informal settings.
