unknown
n. countablen. a person, place, or thing that people do not know about yet. It often describes a situation where the results are not certain.
n. an unidentified or unfamiliar person, thing, or factor. Often used to refer to a future situation or a variable whose influence cannot yet be predicted.
The future is a great unknown.
Entering a new market is always a risk because of the many unknowns regarding local consumer habits.
While the technical specifications of the project are clear, the political climate remains a significant unknown that could derail the entire timeline.
From Middle English unknowen, uniknowen, uniknowe, from Old English unġecnāwen (“unknown”), equivalent to un- + known.
Frequently used in the singular with the definite article ('the unknown') to refer to abstract concepts or unexplored territories.