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

For those unfamiliar with the inner workings of American rail, the current network is a patchwork. —David Blackmon, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2025

Andrea Woods, a Department of Energy spokesperson, was unfamiliar with project specifics when The Enquirer called on July 31. —Victoria Moorwood, The Enquirer, 5 Aug. 2025

What new fragments of youth will these six boys next door gather in this unfamiliar land, in the middle of summer? —Billboard Korea, Billboard, 4 Aug. 2025

After surviving a shark attack and drifting into unfamiliar waters, a young seal’s life hung on by a thread — until rescuers rushed to help. —Brendan Rascius, Miami Herald, 4 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