unfamiliar

adjective

un·​fa·​mil·​iar ˌən-fə-ˈmil-yər How to pronounce unfamiliar (audio)
: 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 How to pronounce unfamiliar (audio)
-ˌmi-lē-ˈyer-
-ˈya-rə-
noun
unfamiliarly adverb

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Being sent to an unfamiliar war zone far from their countries of origin, families or communities must feel like another criminal sentence. Elizabeth Shackelford, Chicago Tribune, 11 July 2025 During a recent board meeting, Myers used AI to clarify unfamiliar terms instead of raising her hand to ask questions. Sheryl Estrada, Fortune, 11 July 2025 Participants who intentionally sought discomfort – from public speaking to confronting unfamiliar ideas – reported greater long-term growth, engagement, and meaning. Esmt Berlin, Forbes.com, 10 July 2025 In his fourth-round match against Grigor Dimitrov, Sinner found himself in unfamiliar territory, dropping the first two sets before the match took a turn when Dimitrov retired due to a pectoral injury. Kilty Cleary, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for unfamiliar

Word History

First Known Use

1594, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of unfamiliar was in 1594

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Unfamiliar.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unfamiliar. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

unfamiliar

adjective
un·​fa·​mil·​iar ˌən-fə-ˈmil-yər How to pronounce unfamiliar (audio)
1
: not well-known : strange
an unfamiliar place
2
: not well acquainted
unfamiliar with the subject
unfamiliarity
-ˌmil-ˈyar-ət-ē How to pronounce unfamiliar (audio)
-ˌmil-ē-ˈ(y)ar-
noun

More from Merriam-Webster on unfamiliar

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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