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. not familiar

Other Word Forms

• unfamiliarity noun
• unfamiliarly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of unfamiliar¹

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

Example Sentences

There was also an unfamiliar mental strain, as the former MVP slumped like he never had before.

From Los Angeles Times

The Dodgers’ road to success is clear: more of the starters, less of the erratic relievers, and less need to lean on Glasnow and Sheehan in an unfamiliar role.

From Los Angeles Times

But outside of Ohtani, who closed out the championship game of the most recent World Baseball Classic, can any of these starters really be counted on to perform in unfamiliar roles?

From Los Angeles Times

“It’s a little thing called state sovereignty, but given the President’s propensity to violate the Constitution, it’s unsurprising that he’s unfamiliar with it.”

From Los Angeles Times

Coming to terms with those patterns led her to some unfamiliar territory.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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