Unknown — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

adjective noun /ˌən-ˈnōn/ un·known

Meaning & Definition of Unknown

Unknown (adjective)

  1. not known
  2. not well-known
  3. having an unknown value

Unknown (noun)

  1. one that is not known or not well-known; especially, a person who is little known (as to the public)
  2. a place, situation, or thing that is not known or understood
  3. something that is not known or not yet discovered

Unknown (adjective) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. happening or existing without one's knowledge

    "unknown to me was the fact that while I was out, my family was hurriedly preparing a surprise birthday party"

    similar: unbeknownst
    related: unperceived, unrecognized, unsuspected, unaware, unconscious, unmindful, unknowing, unsuspecting, unwitting, ignorant, unacquainted, unfamiliar

  2. not known or experienced before

    "becoming a father brought unknown joy to his life"

    similar: fresh, new, novel, original, strange, unaccustomed, unfamiliar, unheard-of, unprecedented
    related: innovative, unique, nontraditional, unconventional, untried, unused, unworn, pathbreaking, pioneering, trailblazing
    opposite: familiar, hackneyed, old, time-honored, tired, warmed-over
    near: conventional, established, traditional, tried, tried-and-true, derivative, imitative

  3. not widely known

    "looking for a relatively unknown singer to record the song"

    similar: nameless, no-name, noteless, obscure, uncelebrated, unfamous, unrecognized, unsung
    related: insignificant, minor, unimportant, undistinguished, unexceptional, unremarkable, unpopular, anonymous, faceless, unnoticeable, unrecognizable, unnewsworthy, unnoticed, forgotten, unremembered
    opposite: celebrated, famed, famous, noted, notorious, prominent, renowned, well-known
    near: fabled, fabulous, legendary, infamous, distinguished, eminent, exceptional, great, illustrious, notable, outstanding, prestigious, remarkable, estimable, honorable, reputable, respectable, important, influential, leading, major, newsworthy, noteworthy, significant, favorite, popular, preferred

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Unknown

The most common words with a similar meaning to Unknown:

unbeknownst, fresh, new, novel, original, strange, unaccustomed, unfamiliar, unheard-of, unprecedented, nameless, no-name, noteless, obscure, uncelebrated, unfamous, unrecognized, unsung

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Unknown

Words with the opposite meaning of Unknown:

familiar, hackneyed, old, time-honored, tired, warmed-over, celebrated, famed, famous, noted, notorious, prominent, renowned, well-known

Related Words for Unknown

unperceived, unsuspected, unaware, unconscious, unmindful, unknowing, unsuspecting, unwitting, ignorant, unacquainted, innovative, unique, nontraditional, unconventional, untried, unused, unworn, pathbreaking, pioneering, trailblazing, insignificant, minor, unimportant, undistinguished, unexceptional, unremarkable, unpopular, anonymous, faceless, unnoticeable

Near Antonyms of Unknown

conventional, established, traditional, tried, tried-and-true, derivative, imitative, fabled, fabulous, legendary, infamous, distinguished, eminent, exceptional, great, illustrious, notable, outstanding, prestigious, remarkable, estimable, honorable, reputable, respectable, important, influential, leading, major, newsworthy, noteworthy

Origin & Etymology of Unknown

First known use: before 12th century

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Unknown

Words & Phrases Containing Unknown

Unknown Soldier, unknown quantity, unknown to, big unknown, of unknown origin

Frequently Asked Questions about Unknown

What does "Unknown" mean?

"Unknown" means not known. As an an adjective and a noun, it is defined as: not known. It has 3 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Unknown"?

Other words for "Unknown" include unbeknownst, fresh, new, novel, original, strange, unaccustomed and unfamiliar. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Unknown" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Unknown"?

There are 53 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Unknown". Common alternatives include unbeknownst, fresh, new, novel, original, strange, unaccustomed, unfamiliar, unheard-of and unprecedented.

What is the opposite of "Unknown"?

Antonyms of "Unknown" include familiar, hackneyed, old, time-honored, tired, warmed-over, celebrated and famed. Near antonyms include conventional, established, traditional and tried.

How do you use "Unknown" in a sentence?

Examples of "Unknown" in a sentence: "unknown to me was the fact that while I was out, my family was hurriedly preparing a surprise birthday party"; "becoming a father brought unknown joy to his life"; "looking for a relatively unknown singer to record the song".

Is "Unknown" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Unknown" can be used as an adjective and a noun, depending on the context.

Is "Unknown" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a B2-level word, "Unknown" is typical of Cambridge B2 First (FCE), IELTS band 5.5–6.5, TOEFL iBT 72–94, PTE Academic 59–75, TOEIC Listening & Reading 785+.

How do you pronounce "Unknown"?

"Unknown" is pronounced /ˌən-ˈnōn/ and divided into syllables as un·known.