unfamiliar

adjective

un·​fa·​mil·​iar ˌən-fə-ˈmil-yər 

: not familiar:

a

: not well-known : strange

an unfamiliar place

b

: not well acquainted

unfamiliar with the subject

unfamiliarity

ˌən-fə-ˌmil-ˈyer-ə-tē 

-ˌmi-lē-ˈyer-

-ˈya-rə-

noun

unfamiliarly

ˌən-fə-ˈmil-yər-lē 

adverb

Synonyms

• fresh
• new
• novel
• original
• strange
• unaccustomed
• unheard-of
• unknown
• unprecedented

Examples of unfamiliar in a Sentence

He gets nervous when he is in unfamiliar surroundings.

The book is full of unfamiliar words.

Recent Examples on the Web

His administration has brought attention to excessive spending—largely unfamiliar to those outside the Beltway—on woke, anti-American, or wasteful government programs at USAID, the Department of Energy, and the Department of Education thus far. —Matt Klink, Orange County Register, 19 Feb. 2025

Bitcoin can feel intimidating for newcomers, especially those unfamiliar with the complexities of crypto wallets, private keys, and exchanges. —Sandy Carter, Forbes, 19 Feb. 2025

Or fretting about muted reactions and restroom trips by fans unfamiliar with the songs. —Bob Gendron, Chicago Tribune, 16 Feb. 2025

That underlying tone adds an uncomfortable and unfamiliar texture throughout your travels in Avowed. —Ars Technica, 13 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1594, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing unfamiliar

• unfamiliar with (something)

Kids Definition

unfamiliar

adjective

un·​fa·​mil·​iar ˌən-fə-ˈmil-yər 

1

: not well-known : strange

an unfamiliar place

2

: not well acquainted

unfamiliar with the subject

unfamiliarity

-ˌmil-ˈyar-ət-ē 

-ˌmil-ē-ˈ(y)ar-

noun