D
Dicread
HomeDictionaryUunknown

Note: The translation for this entry is currently under quality review. Some content is temporarily displayed in English only.

unknown

Adjective[C] Countable
pl: unknowns

The word carries a sense of void or missing information. As an adjective, it is neutral but can feel clinical or mysterious depending on the contextranging from a scientific 'unknown variable' to the eerie 'unknown depths' of the ocean. When used as a noun for a person, it carries a connotation of anonymity and lack of status. It suggests someone who has not yet made an impact or gained recognition, often implying they are starting from zero in a competitive field like art or politics. In mathematical contexts, it is purely functional, representing a placeholder that requires discovery or calculation. Unlike 'secret,' which implies information is being hidden intentionally, 'unknown' simply means the information is not currently available.

Used as a countable noun when referring to an obscure person ('a total unknown') or a specific variable in mathematics ('solve for the unknown').

💬Conversación Casual

🎬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 26, 2026Report an Error