Thesaurus.com
Dictionary.com
Showing results for unknown quantity. Search instead for nonquanti.
Definitions

unknown quantity

NOUN
dark horse
Synonyms
STRONGEST
also-ran long shot sleeper underdog
WEAK
hundred-to-one shot improbability little chance little opportunity outside chance outside shot poor bet poor lookout poor possibility poor prognosis poor prospect slim chance small chance stalking horse unexpected winner unknown unlikelihood unlikely winner upsetter

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Humphries, but the veteran is of late something of an unknown quantity.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 20, 2025

Is Levi a professional wildcard—some unknown quantity who requires vetting by the president-elect himself, or someone who demands that his every former employer be contacted by the president-elect himself?

From Slate • Jan. 9, 2025

They will be an unknown quantity with very little Premier League experience in their squad, and an exciting up-and-coming manager in McKenna.

From BBC • Aug. 15, 2024

Why is the letter x used for an unknown quantity in algebra?

From Salon • Jul. 29, 2024

Doubleday an unknown quantity, but certainly nothing spectacular.

From "The Killer Angels: The Classic Novel of the Civil War" by Michael Shaara