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unknown

When used as an adjective, "unknown" describes things that are mysterious or not yet discovered. When used as a noun to describe a person, it often implies they lack fame or recognition in a specific field. In mathematics, the term refers specifically to the variable (like x or y) that you are trying to solve for in an equation.

💬Casual Conversation

🎬Tuesday afternoon, Chloe is procrastinating on a history paper in the library.
Chloe Smith

I just got a call from an unknown number. I'm shaking.

Chloe Smith
Maya
Maya

Get a grip. It is probably just some spam bot trying to scam you.

💡
Chloe's anxiety manifests as drama over a simple unidentified caller, while Maya uses the idiom 'get a grip' to tell her to control her emotions and be realistic.

Meanings

adjective

Not known or familiar; not identified.

"The cause of the fire remains unknown."

noun

A person who is not famous or well-known.

"The actor started his career as a complete unknown in small theater productions."

noun

An algebraic symbol representing an unspecified value.

"In the equation x + 5 = 10, x is the unknown."

Last Updated: May 22, 2026Report an Error