the unknown
noun
: a place, situation, or thing that is not known about or understood
explorers venturing off into the unknown
: a situation that one is unfamiliar with
A fear of the unknown kept her from changing jobs.
Examples of the unknown in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
This statement is consistent with, though less absolute than, an earlier declaration from the DRC health ministry that the unknown disease is severe malaria.
—
Dave Wessner, Forbes, 19 Dec. 2024
In May 2020, DNA testing revealed the identity of the unknown female remains as Mack, who would have been 24 years old at her death.
—Jeanine Santucci, USA TODAY, 17 Dec. 2024
That is the unknown island, the unknowable isle: the place of true love.
—Jay Nordlinger, National Review, 13 Dec. 2024
In general, everyone fears the unknown to some degree.
—Ryan Ermey, CNBC, 12 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for the unknown 
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Dave Wessner, Forbes, 19 Dec. 2024
In May 2020, DNA testing revealed the identity of the unknown female remains as Mack, who would have been 24 years old at her death.
—Jeanine Santucci, USA TODAY, 17 Dec. 2024
That is the unknown island, the unknowable isle: the place of true love.
—Jay Nordlinger, National Review, 13 Dec. 2024
In general, everyone fears the unknown to some degree.
—Ryan Ermey, CNBC, 12 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for the unknown
Dictionary Entries Near the unknown
Cite this Entry
“The unknown.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/the%20unknown. Accessed 28 Dec. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share