What is the Abbreviation for Unknown?

How do you abbreviate unknown? There is one common way to abbreviate unknown.

It is,

  • unk.

For example,

  • Origin unk.

When to Use This Abbreviation

This abbreviation is usually found in mathematics, the medical profession, science, police organizations, and generally common use when something is not known.

Unk. may appear on police reports, in higher mathematics, or note taking. It is also common to see such abbreviations in headlines or newspaper titles where space is a concern.

Outside of headlines or newspaper columns, the word is not abbreviated in general prose.

What Does Unknown Mean?

definition of unkDefinition of Unknown: Unknown (adjective) is defined as not known or familiar; unknown (noun) is defined as an unknown person or thing.

For example,

  • Our navigator informed us that we were entering into unknown territory.
  • Ballots submitted by military overseas, at this point, are an unknown.

The word unknown functions as an adjective in the first sentence; as a noun in second.

Outside Examples of Unknown

  • abbreviation of unknown abbreviationOnce the man struck the shooting pose, Drago said officers would have had to react quickly if he drew an unknown object from his pocket. –Chicago Tribune
  • “As a man of security, he fortified Israel’s strength in many ways, some of which, even today are still unknown.” –Minneapolis Star Tribune

Summary: Unknown Abbreviation

There is one common abbreviation of unknown. It is: unk.

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