unfamiliar

adjective

un·​fa·​mil·​iar ˌən-fə-ˈmil-yər 

: not familiar:

a

: not well-known : strange

an unfamiliar place

—often used with to

used words that were unfamiliar to me

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 of unfamiliar

• 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

Supervise your animals outdoors, especially in unfamiliar areas. — Ryan Brennan, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 July 2026

Supervise pets outdoors, especially in unfamiliar areas, and keep dogs from sniffing or chewing plants on trails and sidewalks. — Ryan Brennan, Miami Herald, 14 July 2026

Despite heat waves, severe weather, massive crowds and potentially unfamiliar cultures or languages, Fan Fest’s volunteers and ConnectKC26’s bus drivers are continuously praised across related posts. — Sophie Lindberg, Kansas City Star, 14 July 2026

In creating these elements, Göransson sought to have instruments played authentically, which generated unfamiliar sounds. — Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 14 July 2026

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