is still relatively unknown

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is still relatively unknown" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something or someone that has not yet gained widespread recognition or fame, despite existing for some time. Example: "Although the artist has been creating music for years, she is still relatively unknown in the mainstream industry."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

40 human-written examples

He says customization is still relatively unknown at his tennis club, but he won't be helping to spread the word.

The New York Times

Corsican Places (0845 330 2059; corsica.co.uk) can help with accommodation and further information about this beautiful island which is still relatively unknown to British visitors.

The Guardian - Travel

This may be one reason La Silhouette, which opened a little more than a year ago in Hell's Kitchen, is still relatively unknown outside its neighborhood.

The New York Times - Food

For instance, having such a different name will not help with brand recognition in a city where it is still relatively unknown, analysts said.

The New York Times

Jacobsen is still relatively unknown outside of the gravitational pull of Portland's deeply attractive gastronomic scene, but he has a few well-placed fans.

The New York Times

In the English-speaking countries, Jelinek's work is still relatively unknown, even though four of her novels have long been available in translation, all of them issued by a small British publisher, Serpent's Tail Press.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

18 human-written examples

"And he's still relatively unknown".

The New York Times

But such examples are few and far between — and even they are still relatively unknown.

The New York Times - Arts

Garrett had been in a range of movies but was still relatively unknown.

The Guardian - Film

Although he had published several novels, he was still relatively unknown.

The New York Times

Agas are still relatively unknown in the United States -- aside from a few celebrities who own them like Dustin Hoffman, Mel Gibson, Billy Joel and Sarah Jessica Parker.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is still relatively unknown" to introduce a topic or subject that you believe deserves more attention or recognition. For instance, "This lesser-known author's debut novel is a hidden gem."

Common error

Avoid using "is still relatively unknown" for subjects that are inherently obscure or niche. For instance, saying "The mating rituals of the Patagonian toothfish are still relatively unknown" implies a reasonable expectation of widespread knowledge, which is unlikely.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is still relatively unknown" functions as a descriptive predicate adjective, modifying a noun by indicating its current state of limited recognition or awareness. As Ludwig AI confirms, this structure is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

41%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Unknown

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "is still relatively unknown" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase to describe something lacking widespread recognition. Ludwig AI confirms its usability. It appears frequently in news and media and scientific contexts, suggesting a neutral register. When using this phrase, ensure it applies to a subject that could reasonably be expected to be more well-known. Consider alternatives like "remains largely unrecognized" or "is not widely recognized" for nuanced meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is still not well-known

Uses a more common and simpler vocabulary, replacing "relatively unknown" with "not well-known".

remains relatively obscure

Replaces "unknown" with "obscure", suggesting a lack of clarity or prominence.

remains largely unrecognized

Similar to "is not widely recognized", but with a slightly stronger emphasis on the lack of recognition.

is comparatively unfamiliar

Substitutes "relatively unknown" with "comparatively unfamiliar", suggesting a contrast to more familiar concepts.

is not widely recognized

Focuses on the lack of acknowledgement rather than complete unfamiliarity.

is relatively undiscovered

Suggests that something new and valuable has not yet been found or appreciated.

has yet to gain prominence

Emphasizes the future potential for recognition.

has not achieved widespread awareness

Highlights the absence of broad public knowledge.

is still something of a secret

Implies that the subject is deliberately hidden or undiscovered.

hasn't entered the mainstream

Indicates that the subject is outside of popular culture or general acceptance.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "is still relatively unknown" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "remains largely unrecognized" or "has yet to gain prominence". These options provide a sophisticated alternative while maintaining a similar meaning.

What's the difference between "is still relatively unknown" and "is completely unknown"?

"Is still relatively unknown" implies that some information or awareness exists, but it is limited. In contrast, "is completely unknown" suggests a total absence of knowledge or recognition.

Is it always appropriate to use the phrase "is still relatively unknown"?

While grammatically correct, the phrase "is still relatively unknown" is most effective when referring to something that reasonably should be more widely known, but isn't. If something is obscure by nature, a different phrasing might be more appropriate.

What are some common synonyms for "unknown" in the phrase "is still relatively unknown"?

Alternatives include "obscure", "unrecognized", or "unfamiliar". For example, you could say "is still relatively obscure" or "is still relatively unrecognized".