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

The fossils have now been linked to an unfamiliar species and could shake up the human family tree. —Daniel Wine, CNN Money, 23 Dec. 2025

The sightlines and backdrop of an unfamiliar arena? —Mark Zeigler, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 Dec. 2025

Watch for unfamiliar accounts, hard inquiries or small test charges. —Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 20 Dec. 2025

Screenwriter Rebecca Sonnenshine and director Paul Feig had the unenviable task of preserving the source material's shocks and thrills for audiences unfamiliar with the book, while also keeping things fresh for fans of the original. —Lauren Huff, Entertainment Weekly, 19 Dec. 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