unknown

noun

Any thing, place, or situation about which nothing is known; an unknown fact or piece of information.

(algebra) A variable (usually x, y or z) whose value is to be found.

A person of no identity; a nonentity.

adjective

(sometimes postpositive) Not known; unidentified; not well known.

Roots

unun- · Old English · not, reverse cnawan-known · Old English · know

Words related to unknown

strangern undiagnosedadj undeterminedadj unidentifiableadj indeterminableadj undiagnosableadj unbeknownstadj unmappedadj unestablishedadj alienadj unkenned unseenadj uncertainadj indeterminablyadv indeterminateadj namelesslyadv unacquaintedadj namelessnessn

Synonyms & related words for unknown

Find synonyms, related words, and the definition of unknown — including unidentified, unnamed, unsung, nameless, obscure, undiscovered. Dendril is a free visual thesaurus that shows them on an interactive map where stronger matches sit closer to the center — no signup, no ads.

Words related to unknown

Explore words related to unknown — words associated with it, words that go with it, and its nearest matches in meaning. Related words include stranger, undiagnosed, undetermined, unidentifiable, indeterminable, undiagnosable, unbeknownst, unmapped. Click any word to make it the center of the map and keep exploring the web of connections.

Synonyms for unknown

Common synonyms for unknown include unidentified, unnamed, unsung, nameless, obscure, undiscovered, strange, unknowable — words that share a close meaning. Hover or tap any word on the map for its definition and part of speech.

Where does unknown come from?

The word unknown breaks down into 2 roots of Old English origin: un-, from Old English un (“not, reverse”); and -known, from Old English cnawan (“know”). Explore each root to see other English words built from the same source.