The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 7 letter word UNKNOWN
I've seen this crossword clue in The Times
U
N
K
N
O
W
N
More clues leading to the result UNKNOWN
- Variable bit of punk now neglected
- Anonymous hunk now noticed partly
- Variable, currently supporting end of taxation in UK
- A little drunk now, number 3 in maths?
- Trunk now needs locks concealed
- Why when spoken is variable
- Nobody‘s picked up why it may be|
- Calculating it’s value should solve your problem
- Peacekeepers learn new numbers like x, y or z
- Perhaps Y-fronts of Uncle Neil keep nothing concealed these days
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "Variable" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case variable = unknown.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does UNKNOWN mean?
UNKNOWN verb- To undo the process of knowing, to lose knowledge of something.
- A variable (usually x, y or z) whose value is to be found.
- Any thing, place, or situation about which nothing is known; an unknown fact or piece of information.
- A person of no identity; a nonentity
- (sometimes postpositive) Not known; unidentified; not well known.