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

• strange
• new
• novel
• unprecedented
• fresh
• original
• unknown

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

VPPs depend on customer participation, yet many people are unfamiliar with the concept or hesitant to engage without a clear and trusted value proposition. —Luis D’acosta, Forbes.com, 14 Aug. 2025

This is an unfamiliar position for the Padres, who haven't won a division title since 2006. —Jackson Roberts, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Aug. 2025

Any new or unfamiliar symptoms warrant a visit to a healthcare provider to get diagnosed and take any appropriate action. —Karen Pallarito, Health, 11 Aug. 2025

The rare tristate tremor was recorded on April 5, 2024, and felt by approximately 42 million people in the region — an unfamiliar sensation for New Yorkers. —Muri Assunção, New York Daily News, 5 Aug. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1594, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing unfamiliar

• unfamiliar with (something)

Rhymes for unfamiliar

• conciliar
• familiar

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