unfamiliar

[ uhn-fuh-mil-yer ]

adjective

1. not familiar; not acquainted with or conversant about:

   to be unfamiliar with a subject.

2. different; unaccustomed; unusual; strange:

   an unfamiliar treat.

   Synonyms: new, novel, curious

unfamiliar

/ ˌʌnfəˈmɪljə; ˌʌnfəˌmɪlɪˈærɪtɪ /

adjective

1. not known or experienced; strange
2. postpositivefoll bywith not familiar

Derived Forms

• ˌunfaˈmiliarly, adverb
• unfamiliarity, noun

Other Words From

• un·fa·mil·i·ar·i·ty [uhn-f, uh, -mil-ee-, ar, -i-tee], noun
• unfa·miliar·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of unfamiliar¹

First recorded in 1585–95; un- ¹ + familiar

Example Sentences

Then there’s the added challenge of making a film that is both faithful to the cherished stage production and accessible to audiences who are entirely unfamiliar with the show.

From Salon

But there’s an overt subtext too that might elevate the movie for those unfamiliar with the show, who had maybe assumed it was a sweet and frothy musical comedy.

From Los Angeles Times

Mr McDonnell has been with the firm for most of it and remembers the early no frills stores packed with unfamiliar products.

From BBC

The actor was unfamiliar with the ‘Dune’ universe before taking the part of Tula Harkonnen in the prequel series, but history provided ample fodder for her character.

From Los Angeles Times

Still, there are times when their new house feels strangely unfamiliar to her, she says, like an "adopted space" which has not been lived in enough.

From BBC

Related Words

• bizarre
• curious
• exotic
• foreign
• new
• obscure
• peculiar
• unaccustomed
• unexpected
• unexplored
• unknown
• unusual