What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
unacquainted
Example
I am unacquainted with the new employee. [unacquainted: adjective]
Example
The two teams were unacquainted before the tournament. [unacquainted: adjective]
Example
She was unacquainted with the customs of the country. [unacquainted: adjective]
unfamiliar
Example
The new software was unfamiliar to me. [unfamiliar: adjective]
Example
The town was unfamiliar to the tourists. [unfamiliar: adjective]
Example
She felt unfamiliar with the new group of people. [unfamiliar: preposition]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Unfamiliar is more commonly used than unacquainted in everyday language. Unfamiliar is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while unacquainted is less common and refers to a lack of personal interaction or experience.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between unacquainted and unfamiliar?
Unacquainted is more formal than unfamiliar. It is typically used in formal contexts, such as academic writing or legal documents, while unfamiliar can be used in both formal and informal contexts.