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.
People unfamiliar with certain disasters — such as out-of-town visitors caught in the Hill Country flooding — may be at higher risk during emergencies. Bayliss Wagner, Austin American Statesman, 25 July 2025 The short clip features Maya locking herself in the bathroom of an unfamiliar home when all of a sudden an axe comes flying through the closed door. Katie Campione, Deadline, 24 July 2025 Known for their bold, occasionally reactive behavior—especially when confronted by unfamiliar, larger breeds—this group appeared to stand their ground. Melissa Fleur Afshar, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 July 2025 Many small firms were unfamiliar with digital marketing and couldn't afford agencies to support them on a retainer. Alison Coleman, Forbes.com, 23 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 29 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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