warning

Universal Words noun 1 [C,U] a statement, an event, etc. telling sb that sth bad or unpleasant may happen in the future so that they can try to avoid it: Doctors issued a warning against eating any fish caught in the river. * to give sb fair / advance / adequate warning of sth * The bridge collapsed without (any) warning. * Let me give you a word of warning. * a government health warning * Many people continue to ignore warnings about the dangers of sunbathing. * The union failed to heed warnings that strike action would lead to the closure of the factory. seealsoEARLYWARNING 2 [C] a statement telling sb that they will be punished if they continue to behave in a particular way: to give sb a verbal / written / final warning warning adjective [onlybeforenoun]: She had ignored the warning signs of trouble ahead. * Police fired a number of warning shots. * Warning bells began to ring (= it was a sign that sth was wrong) when her letters were returned unopened.