SINCE 1828

An Encyclopædia Britannica Company

unfamiliar with (something)

idiom

Definition of unfamiliar with (something)

: not having any knowledge of something

I'm unfamiliar with that subject/language.

Word by Word Definitions

unfamiliar play

: not familiar:
: not well-known : strange
: not well acquainted

See the full definition of unfamiliar

something play

: some indeterminate or unspecified thing
: some indeterminate amount more than a specified number
: a person or thing of consequence

: in some degree : somewhat
used as an intensive giving adverbial force to an adjective

See the full definition of something

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up unfamiliar with (something)? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show

WORD OF THE DAY

headlong

play

without deliberation, pause, or delay

Words at Play

alt-5ad77fad37d22

What the #@*% Is a ‘Grawlix?’

We can thank Beetle Bailey.

alt-5ad76a1542e73

'Altho' vs. 'Although'

Altho doesn't get much love.

alt-5ad635a571736

A Brief History of 'Potshot'

Duck, or you might be dinner

alt-5ad5fb45b0494

What Is a 'Thirst Trap'?

A tall drink of water

Ask the Editors

2017 Word of the Year: Behind the Scenes

How we chose 'feminism'

video-title-words-of-the-year-1066

Words of the Year: 1066

Or, Why Pig Meat is Called 'Pork' and Cow Meat is Called 'Beef'

video-literally

Literally

How to use a word that (literally) drives some people nuts.

video-his-or-her

Is Singular 'They' a Better Choice?

The awkward case of 'his or her'

Word Games

Odd Habits and Quirks Quiz

Test your knowledge of strange human behaviors.

Take the quiz

cats-on-impossible-timber

More Confusing Words—Quiz

How many of these commonly confused words do you know?

Take the quiz

How Strong Is Your Vocabulary?

How Strong Is Your Vocabulary?

Test your vocabulary with our 10-question quiz!

Take the quiz

Bee Cubed

Listen to the words and spell through all three levels.

Play the game