What Does "Unknown Quantity" Mean?
"Unknown quantity" is an English idiom. It means "something or someone that is unknown or unpredictable."Examples in Sentences
Here are three examples of the idiom "unknown quantity" used in a sentence:- This new player on the team is an unknown quantity.
- We're taking a risk with this new product; it's an unknown quantity in the market.
- Hiring him is a gamble because he's an unknown quantity in the industry.
What Is an Idiom?
An idiom is a commonly used expression whose meaning does not relate to the literal meaning of its words. In other words, if you were to translate "Unknown Quantity" word for word, there is no guarantee the translation would help you to understand the meaning.An idiom often includes a cultural or historical context that makes it difficult for non-native English speakers to understand. A phrase is classified as an idiom when a direct translation of the words does not reveal the meaning. Most idioms rely on shared knowledge or experiences known only to a specific community.
A Quick Test
You now know what "unknown quantity" means, but are you good at English idioms? Let's see!
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