incompletely known

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "incompletely known" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is not fully understood or lacks complete information. Example: "The results of the experiment are still incompletely known, requiring further investigation to draw definitive conclusions."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The vertical distribution is also incompletely known.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Climatic controls on these cycles are incompletely known.

Geomorphology

The geographic distribution of cephalopods is incompletely known.

Encyclopedia Britannica

There is almost no information regarding its reproductive biology, and the diet is incompletely known.

Cornell University

The relation between disk/condyle incoordination and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) morphological changes is incompletely known.

Oral Surgery, Oral Medicine, Oral Pathology, Oral Radiology, and Endodontology

Cinnamon Hummingbird is common and widely distributed, but its natural history is incompletely known for such a widespread species.

Cornell University

The full extent and continuity of the distribution of Nephelornis are still incompletely known (Witt and Lane in press).

Cornell University

The results are less a shock-of-the-new revelation than a revelatory confirmation of realities until now incompletely known.

The New York Times - Arts

The earliest and most basal form is the incompletely known Pisanosaurus, from the Late Triassic of Argentina.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Although the taxonomy of the angiosperms is still incompletely known, the latest classification system incorporates a large body of comparative data derived from studies of DNA sequences.

Britannica

The identification of these pathways was not a simple matter, and indeed, in humans, many remain incompletely known or are simply conjectural.

Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "incompletely known", consider the specific degree of uncertainty you want to convey. Is the information partially understood, or is it almost entirely unknown? Choose synonyms that reflect the nuance of your meaning.

Common error

Avoid using "incompletely known" when there's substantial evidence or understanding available. Opt for more precise terms like "partially understood" or "requires further investigation" to reflect a more accurate picture.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "incompletely known" functions primarily as an adjective phrase modifying a noun. It describes the state of something (a fact, a process, etc.) as not being fully or completely understood. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a grammatically sound and commonly used expression.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

42%

Academia

22%

Encyclopedias

12%

Less common in

News & Media

5%

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

9%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "incompletely known" is a grammatically correct and frequently used adjective phrase. Ludwig AI's analysis confirms that it serves to describe information or processes that are not fully understood. It's commonly found in scientific and academic contexts, where the acknowledgment of gaps in knowledge is crucial. While synonymous alternatives such as "partially understood" or "not fully understood" exist, "incompletely known" offers a specific nuance that suggests ongoing investigation and a foundation of existing knowledge.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not completely known

A more literal synonym emphasizing the absence of complete knowledge.

not fully understood

Emphasizes the lack of complete understanding.

less than fully known

A formal and emphatic way to express that knowledge is incomplete.

partially unknown

Stresses the aspect of being unknown, but only to a certain extent.

imperfectly understood

Highlights the flawed or incomplete nature of the understanding.

not thoroughly known

Highlights that an exploration has not been done, but not necessarily that it cannot be done.

partially understood

Focuses on the aspect of partial understanding rather than a total lack of knowledge.

sketchily known

Implies that only a rough or basic outline is known.

fragmentarily known

Indicates that the knowledge is available only in disconnected pieces.

vaguely understood

Suggests a hazy or unclear understanding.

FAQs

How can I use "incompletely known" in a sentence?

You can use "incompletely known" to describe facts, theories, or areas of study that are not yet fully understood. For example, "The causes of the disease are still "incompletely known"".

What are some alternatives to "incompletely known"?

Alternatives include "partially understood", "not fully understood", or "imperfectly understood". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to say "incompletely known" or "not completely known"?

"Incompletely known" and "not completely known" are largely interchangeable, but "incompletely known" often implies a more active area of ongoing investigation. The choice depends on stylistic preference.

What's the difference between "incompletely known" and "unknown"?

"Unknown" suggests a complete lack of information, whereas "incompletely known" suggests that some information exists, but it's not comprehensive. Using "incompletely known" indicates there's a foundation of knowledge, however limited.