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.

The real Colbert, not the character, would helm the show, and that guy behind the mask was still an unknown quantity to the viewing public.

From Los Angeles Times • May 20, 2026

But Jon Burrows is much more of an unknown quantity.

From BBC • Jan. 2, 2026

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

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

unknown quantity

Example Sentences

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