a growing awareness — increasing recognition (of an issue or fact)
collocationC1IELTS 7+neutraloccasional
a situation where more and more people are starting to notice or understand something important, often leading to change or action.
Say it like a native
Textbook There is an increasing cognizance among the public regarding this issue.
Native There's a growing awareness of the issue.
'Cognizance' is rare and legalistic; 'awareness' is the normal word.
Pattern: a growing awareness of [something]
In use
- There is a growing awareness of the importance of mental health in the workplace.society
- In recent years, there has been a growing awareness of the need for healthier eating habits among young people.IELTS speaking
Common mistake
✗ There is a growing awareness about of the risks.
✓ There is a growing awareness of the risks.
'Awareness OF something' — don't double up 'about of'.
Common collocations
a growing awareness of— the dangers, the issue, the need, the impact
Don't confuse it
Unlike 'awareness' or 'a general awareness', 'a growing awareness' emphasizes that more people are starting to notice or care about something, not that it is already common knowledge.