unfamiliar

adjective

un·​fa·​mil·​iar ˌən-fə-ˈmil-yər How to pronounce unfamiliar (audio)
: 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 How to pronounce unfamiliar (audio)
-ˌmi-lē-ˈyer-
-ˈya-rə-
noun
unfamiliarly adverb

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
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.
Unfortunately, mastery may be an unfamiliar approach for many recent graduates. Ulrik Juul Christensen, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2025 The Broncos dropped to 1-1 with a loss to the Colts yesterday, while the Chiefs are in unfamiliar territory at 0-2. Tyler Everett, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 Sep. 2025 On that same trip, a market of simple tables with buckets of those gorgeous blooms caught their attention and ultimately pushed them to switch to cultivating dahlias, which many Southerners were unfamiliar with at the time. Cameron Beall, Southern Living, 13 Sep. 2025 But what, exactly, should those unfamiliar with his work expect from his first go hosting a major awards show? Emma Specter, Vogue, 12 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for unfamiliar

Word History

First Known Use

1594, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of unfamiliar was in 1594

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Unfamiliar.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unfamiliar. Accessed 18 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

unfamiliar

adjective
un·​fa·​mil·​iar ˌən-fə-ˈmil-yər How to pronounce unfamiliar (audio)
1
: not well-known : strange
an unfamiliar place
2
: not well acquainted
unfamiliar with the subject
unfamiliarity
-ˌmil-ˈyar-ət-ē How to pronounce unfamiliar (audio)
-ˌmil-ē-ˈ(y)ar-
noun

More from Merriam-Webster on unfamiliar

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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