To fix the unexpected reserved word ‘await’ error in JavaScript, declare your function “async”. The error “unexpected reserved word await” occurs when we use the ‘await’ keyword inside a not marked as async function. If we need to use the ‘await’, we should make the function ‘async’.
function getString() { // not marked as async function
// unexpected reserved word 'await'
const str = await Promise.resolve('Hello world!');
return str;
}
// unexpected reserved word 'await'
const res = await Promise.resolve(42);
console.log(res)
Output
file:///Users/krunallathiya/Desktop/Code/R/app.js:3
const str = await Promise.resolve('Hello world!');
^^^^^
SyntaxError: Unexpected reserved word
In this example, we didn’t mark the function as async so that this code will generate an “unexpected reserved word await” error.
To fix this error, declare your function as async.
async function getString() { // not marked as async function
// unexpected reserved word 'await'
const str = await Promise.resolve('Hello world!');
return str;
}
//unexpected reserved word 'await'
const res = await Promise.resolve(42);
console.log(res)
Output
42
This code will run properly with no errors. However, if you use Node.js and want to use the await keyword on the top level, set the type attribute to the module on your package.json file.
See the below package.json file. This is a strict requirement if you use Node.js.
{
"type": "module"
}
Set the attribute in your script tag to use it on the browser.
Use this tag on your HTML file.
<script type="module" src="app.js"></script>
Now you can use the top-level await keyword on your code. For browser:
console.log(await Promise.resolve(20));
That’s it.

Krunal Lathiya is a seasoned Computer Science expert with over eight years in the tech industry. He boasts deep knowledge in Data Science and Machine Learning. Versed in Python, JavaScript, PHP, R, and Golang. Skilled in frameworks like Angular and React and platforms such as Node.js. His expertise spans both front-end and back-end development. His proficiency in the Python language stands as a testament to his versatility and commitment to the craft.