lesser-known

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lesser-known" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is not widely recognized or familiar to the general public. Example: "The documentary highlights several lesser-known artists who have made significant contributions to the art world."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

43 human-written examples

Here are some lesser-known examples.

The New York Times

Even lesser-known individuals.

Independent

And some lesser-known schools.

The New Yorker

Lesser-known cities contain surprising delights.

Independent

Synopses of five lesser-known ballets.

The New Yorker

Other, lesser-known pundits shared similar views.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

17 human-written examples

He's even better on the lesser known.

The New York Times - Books

However, there are lesser known contributors.

The Guardian - Opinion

Lesser known, however, is Zika's evil stepsister, Chikungunya.

University of California, Berkeley

His Microsoft cronies are lesser known.

Forbes

A lesser known Frank Sinatra song.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "lesser-known" to introduce information or aspects that may not be common knowledge, adding depth and intrigue to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "lesser-known" when a simpler term like "unknown" or "uncommon" would suffice. Overusing it can make your writing sound pretentious.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lesser-known" functions primarily as an adjective, modifying nouns to indicate that they are not widely recognized or familiar. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable. This contrasts items that are mainstream or widely acknowledged.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

23%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "lesser-known" is a versatile adjective phrase used to describe something not widely recognized or familiar. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. Predominantly found in "News & Media" and academic contexts, it serves to introduce elements of obscurity, piquing interest and broadening understanding. While highly useful, its overuse in simple contexts should be avoided. Consider alternatives like "unknown" or "uncommon" for more concise writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

relatively unknown

Emphasizes the lack of broad awareness or recognition.

not widely recognized

Focuses on the limited acknowledgment or awareness.

obscure

Highlights the hidden or indistinct nature of something.

little-known

Stresses the limited familiarity or knowledge.

unfamiliar

Focuses on the lack of acquaintance or experience.

less famous

Directly contrasts with widespread fame or notoriety.

rarely cited

Highlights the infrequent mention or reference.

undiscovered

Emphasizes the potential for future recognition or awareness.

esoteric

Highlights the limited understanding or accessibility.

uncharted

Emphasizes something unexplored or unmapped.

FAQs

How can I use "lesser-known" in a sentence?

Use "lesser-known" to describe something that is not widely recognized or familiar. For example, "The documentary highlights several "lesser-known artists" who have made significant contributions to the art world."

What's a more straightforward alternative to "lesser-known"?

Consider using simpler alternatives such as "unknown", "uncommon", or "less famous" depending on the specific context.

Is it redundant to say "lesser-known secret"?

While not strictly redundant, "lesser-known secret" can often be streamlined to simply "obscure secret" for a more concise expression.

How does "lesser-known" compare to "underrated"?

"Lesser-known" indicates a lack of recognition, while "underrated" implies that something deserves more appreciation than it receives. They aren't interchangeable; "lesser-known" focuses on awareness, and "underrated" focuses on value or merit.