unknown

1 of 2

adjective

un·​known ˌən-ˈnōn 

1

a

: not known

It was a world and life, a way of being, utterly unknown to me.

—Avi

An unknown number of cases go unreported.

For some unknown reason, the computer crashed.

b

: not well-known

an unknown writer/artist

When he left, he had been unknown. Now he was famous.

—E. B. White

2

: having an unknown value

an unknown quantity

unknown

2 of 2

noun

1

a

: one that is not known or not well-known

especially : a person who is little known (as to the public)

The director cast an unknown in the lead role.

b

the unknown : a place, situation, or thing that is not known or understood

explorers venturing into the unknown

c

: something that is not known or not yet discovered

There are too many unknowns to go forward with the project.

2

a

: a symbol (such as x, y, or z) in a mathematical equation representing an unknown quantity

b

: a specimen (as of bacteria or mixed chemicals) required to be identified as an exercise in appropriate laboratory techniques

Synonyms of unknown

Adjective

• unfamiliar
• unbeknownst

Examples of unknown in a Sentence

Adjective

a disease of unknown cause

Much remains unknown about his early life.

Her music was previously unknown outside of Asia.

An unknown number of cases go unreported.

The victim's attacker was unknown to her.

For some unknown reason, my computer crashed.

a book of unknown poems

Noun

explorers venturing off into the unknown

A fear of the unknown kept her from changing jobs.

The director cast an unknown in the lead role.

We're facing too many unknowns.

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Instead, the sensor could help answer practical questions in the field, such as whether an unknown substance presents a threat and what level of protective equipment may be required. — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 23 Sep. 2026

At one point, an unknown trigger sent them all racing in one direction, exactly like birds on the wing, but on foot. — J. B. MacKinnon, Harpers Magazine, 22 Sep. 2026

Noun

But now there’s the lingering unknown amid a fight that can feel endless. — Andrew Carter, Chicago Tribune, 20 Sep. 2026

Now, looking back 30 years later, Winkler said the experience taught him to navigate the unknown. — Tanya Fedak, Variety, 19 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing unknown

• big unknown
• of unknown origin
• the unknown
• unknown quantity
• unknown to

Rhymes for unknown

• alone
• atone
• backbone
• bemoan
• bluestone
• breastbone
• brownstone
• capstone
• cheekbone
• condone
• curbstone
• cyclone

Kids Definition

unknown

1 of 2 adjective

un·​known ˌən-ˈnōn 

: not known

also : having an unknown value

an unknown quantity

unknown

2 of 2 noun

1

: something that is unknown

2

: a symbol (as x, y, or z) representing a quantity whose value is unknown

an equation with two unknowns