unknown quantity
Unpredictable element here
An unknown quantity is something whose value, nature, or effect cannot be predicted.
In algebra, it's a variable to be solved for.
More commonly, it describes a person or factor whose capabilities or impact remain uncertain: The new CEO is still an unknown quantity.
The phrase often implies risk—you don't know what you're getting.
Recent arrival somewhere
- outsiderOne excluded from group
- strangerPerson not yet known
- dark horseUnlikely but possible winner
- new playerRecent participant in activity
fresh face · unvetted · cipher · enigma
Not yet utilized
- latentPresent but inactive
- undevelopedNot fully formed
- unrealizedNot made actual
- promiseCommitment to act
capability · prospect · nascent · emerging · dormant · budding · raw talent · dark horse
Cannot be anticipated
- uncertainNot firmly known
- unprovenNot yet established
- untestedNot yet examined
- unreliableNot consistently performing
questionable · wildcard · gamble · risk · doubt · speculation · uncharted · indefinite
Prone to fluctuation
- equationMathematical equality assertion
- algebraMath using symbols
- coefficientNumber multiplying a variable
- parameterBoundary-setting factor
function · calculus · expression · polynomial · linear equation · quadratic · simultaneous equations · algebraic
newcomer
Recent arrival somewhere
- outsiderOne excluded from group
- strangerPerson not yet known
- dark horseUnlikely but possible winner
new player · fresh face · unvetted · cipher · enigma
untapped
Not yet utilized
- latentPresent but inactive
- undevelopedNot fully formed
- unrealizedNot made actual
promise · capability · prospect · nascent · emerging · dormant · budding · raw talent · dark horse · sleeper
unpredictable
Cannot be anticipated
unreliable · questionable · wildcard · gamble · risk · doubt · speculation · uncharted · indefinite · indeterminate
variable
Prone to fluctuation
- equationMathematical equality assertion
- algebraMath using symbols
- coefficientNumber multiplying a variable
parameter · function · calculus · expression · polynomial · linear equation · quadratic · simultaneous equations · algebraic · formula
- underdogsunderdog, underdogs, Cinderella, sleeper, dark horse
- hidden gemshidden gems, best kept secret, diamond in the rough, rare find, secret spot
- uncertaintyuncertainty, uncertain, unsure, unclear, doubt
- uncharted watervirgin territory, terra incognita, frontier
unknown quantityknown quantity
Established, predictable element
certainty · sure thing · safe bet · given · safe pair of hands
know, knowledge, known, knowing, unknown, quantity, knows, knowingly, knowest