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, what’s the process to become a foster parent? —Kansas City Star, 23 Sep. 2025

Versailles Echoes With New Notes In early September, Versailles wrote an unfamiliar chapter in its long history. —Billboard Arabia, Billboard, 22 Sep. 2025

The show’s format includes a wide range of challenges, from navigating unfamiliar cities to facing extreme physical feats and solving intricate puzzles. —Jenzia Burgos, StyleCaster, 22 Sep. 2025

Kansas City is in unfamiliar territory with an 0-2 start. —Tyler Everett, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Sep. 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