Meaning & Definition of word "Unknown"

Unknown

/ʌnˈnoʊn/

noun:

  • 1. A person or thing that is not known or familiar.
    • Example: He was an unknown in the world of literature.
  • 2. An event or situation whose outcome is uncertain.
    • Example: Entering the project was filled with unknowns for the team.

adjective:

  • 1. Not known or familiar; not identified or recognized.
    • Example: The source of the noise remained unknown.
  • 2. Not established or ascertainable; not understood.
    • Example: The reasons for the failure are still unknown.
  • 3. Unfamiliar or unrecognized by a particular person or group.
    • Example: Traveling to an unknown country can be both exciting and daunting.

Etymology

From Middle English unknowe, from Old English uncnāw (un- 'not' + cnāwan 'to know').

Common Phrases and Expressions

the unknown:

A situation or environment that is not understood.

unknown territory:

A situation that is new and unfamiliar.

unknown quantity:

An unpredictable or uncertain factor.

into the unknown:

To venture into a situation that is unfamiliar and potentially risky.

Related Words

unfamiliar:

Not familiar or acquainted.

mystery:

Something that is difficult or impossible to understand or explain.

secret:

Something that is kept or meant to be kept unknown.

Slang Meanings of unknown

Meaning: A person who is not well-known in a particular context.

Example Sentence: He's just another unknown in the industry.

Meaning: Something that is unexplained or surprising.

Example Sentence: That twist was totally an unknown!