unknown variable
1
4.6
- noun
- Specialized
:
variable desconocida
- Practically speaking, trying to anticipate potential medical treatment, particularly when the person doing so is not facing any threatening diseases or disabilities, is difficult because there are so many unknown variables to deal with, Sabatino says.
Examples
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In a complex math problem, the unknown variable was crucial to finding the right solution.
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Yes, there are hundreds to thousands of unknown variables in the climate system when modeling.
Blog text (3) -
There are simply too many unknown variables to account for.
Blog text (5) -
However, there are just too many unknown variables to make an educated guess on this subject.
Blog text (34) -
But what I have in you, Mr. Garber, is an unknown variable.
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We can't possibly include your data, given that the rigor of your previous school is an unknown variable.
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GARBER: An unknown variable?
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In statement 713, are the X's meant to be unknown variables, Roman numerals, the initials of a name, or multiplication signs?
Academic text (1999) -
To solve this equation clearly, you must first identify the unknown variable and how it interacts with other elements.
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In science experiments, controlling for an unknown variable can lead to more accurate results.
Synonyms
140
4.2
A number or symbol that can have different values
A number in an equation you do not know and must find
Surface Forms
Morphology
The meaning is a straightforward adjective+noun composition: 'unknown' (not known) modifies 'variable' (a symbol that can take values), so the phrase literally denotes a variable whose value is not known. This is a common, compositional pattern across languages and follows normal adjective–noun semantics, so a B1 learner who knows both words will readily infer the MWE's meaning.
Etymology
Unknown variable comes from algebra, where a letter like x is a variable that stands for a number that is unknown. So, the phrase now means 'a value not yet known'.