little-known

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "little-known" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe something that is not widely recognized or familiar to most people. Example: "The documentary highlights several little-known facts about the history of the region."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

32 human-written examples

The previously little-known Islambouli Brigades?

The Economist

A little-known fact about Cuomo?

The New York Times

It remains a little-known quantity abroad.

The Economist

"Little-known fact," Thompson said.

The New Yorker

Here's another little-known fact.

The New York Times

Little-known hobby: studying Hebrew.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

27 human-written examples

Dr. Seuss's little known nudie book.

The New Yorker

LITTLE KNOWN FACTS, by Christine Sneed.

The New York Times - Books

It's a little known condition.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Little Known Secrets of the Best Communicators.

Science Magazine

Little Known Ford Insider Gets CFO Post.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "little-known" to introduce surprising or intriguing facts to capture your reader's attention.

Common error

Avoid using "little-known" excessively to create a false sense of intrigue or importance around trivial details. Maintain credibility by reserving it for genuinely significant or surprising information.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "little-known" functions primarily as a pre-modifying adjective. It is used to describe a noun, indicating that the noun is not widely recognized or familiar. Ludwig's examples showcase this function in various contexts, such as "little-known fact" or "little-known designer".

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

21%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "little-known" is a common and grammatically sound adjective phrase used to describe something that is not widely recognized. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It frequently appears in news and media, and science, serving to introduce surprising or intriguing facts. While alternatives like "obscure" or "lesser-known" exist, "little-known" effectively conveys the sense of something not being widely familiar. When using this phrase, it's best to reserve it for genuinely significant or surprising information, avoiding overuse in sensationalized contexts to maintain credibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lesser-known

Signifies something not as famous or recognized as others of its kind.

obscure

Refers to something not discovered or known about; uncertain.

unfamiliar

Not known or well-known.

unheralded

Not previously announced or recognized.

unrecognized

Not given recognition or acknowledgment.

esoteric

Understood by only a small number of people with specialized knowledge.

undiscovered

Not yet found or known about.

unpublicized

Not given much publicity or attention.

secret

Something kept from general knowledge.

hidden

Concealed or out of sight; not easily found or noticed.

FAQs

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

You can use "little-known" to describe facts, places, people or events that are not widely recognized. For example, "A "little-known fact" is that the inventor of the Super Soaker was a NASA engineer".

What are some alternatives to "little-known"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "obscure", "lesser-known", or "unfamiliar" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it better to use "lesser-known" or "little-known"?

"Little-known" and "lesser-known" are often interchangeable, but "little-known" might suggest a greater degree of obscurity. The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Can "little-known" be used for negative attributes?

Yes, "little-known" can be used to describe negative attributes or problems that are not widely recognized or discussed. For example, "A "little-known side effect" of this medication is increased anxiety".