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

Wheels meet legs The new video from Unitree is drawing attention for pushing humanoid mobility into unfamiliar territory—on wheels and ice. —Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 24 Apr. 2026

Most disease outbreaks are undercounted because doctors may miss diagnoses of unfamiliar diseases and patients may not seek medical care for religious or cultural reasons. —Brenda Goodman, CNN Money, 24 Apr. 2026

For those unfamiliar with the brand’s offerings, Duck Donuts locations don’t pile up cases full of donuts like traditional donut shops. —Nathan Pilling, Kansas City Star, 24 Apr. 2026

And there’s nothing like the disorienting effect of standing in darkness in an unfamiliar place to quicken the senses and sharpen the ear. —Literary Hub, 23 Apr. 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