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

• fresh
• new
• novel
• original
• strange
• unaccustomed
• unheard-of
• unknown
• unprecedented

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

This is often unfamiliar territory for professionals from traditional wealth backgrounds. —Francois Botha, Forbes.com, 25 May 2025

Nearly all the faces here are unfamiliar — and every one is entirely persuasive. —Peter Debruge, Variety, 23 May 2025

The risk with an unfamiliar newcomer: no guarantee of philosophical alignment between the GM and a coach who was already hired. —Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 22 May 2025

With a multilayered sound design that acts as an invisible force, rendering nature unfamiliar as well, we’re invited to bear witness to the unimaginable pain seared onto the faces of evacuees and funeral attendees alike. —Lauren Wissot, IndieWire, 21 May 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