Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
more obscure than
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesAlternative expressions(20)
less clear than
more vague than
more opaque than
more elusive than
less obvious than
not as clear as
more uncertain than
less straightforward than
more subtle than
more nuanced than
more difficult to perceive than
less predictable than
less reliable than
more precarious than
more volatile than
more erratic than
more unstable than
more unpredictable than
more fluid than
more tenuous than
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
58 human-written examples
"Search," she says, "is more obscure than social networking".
News & Media
The early history of Japan is considerably more obscure than that of China.
Encyclopedias
The fate of such initiatives is now more obscure than ever.
News & Media
Henry Kissinger was still a Harvard professor, more obscure than famous.
News & Media
Thus, making them de facto more obscure than the singular Slim Cessna's Auto Club (Denver).
News & Media
What one actually sees onstage is more obscure than that clear theme.
News & Media
So, too, this court has had repeated occasion to sustain discriminations founded upon reasons much more obscure than this.
Academia
He's just another high-profile man behaving badly, part Arnold Schwarzenegger and part Ben Roethlisberger and more obscure than both.
News & Media
Early Norman history, however, is more obscure than Flemish, lacking the records that only Christian clerics could write.
Encyclopedias
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
2 human-written examples
It is an ironic punchline for hipster parents whose children may end up having more obscure taste than they do.
News & Media
It's in an even more obscure spot than the Coney Island center, and it sees very little telltale traffic in and out.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
In academic writing, pair this phrase with a specific context—such as historical records or scientific mechanisms—to clarify which type of obscurity you are referencing.
Common error
While "obscurer" is technically a valid comparative form, modern standard English almost exclusively uses "more obscure than". Using "obscurer" in professional or academic contexts can often appear archaic or non-standard to the reader.
Source & Trust
91%
Authority and reliability
4.9/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "more obscure than" functions as a comparative adjective phrase. It is used to establish a relationship of degree between two entities regarding their lack of prominence, clarity or recognizability. According to Ludwig, it follows the standard 'more + adjective + than' syntax required for multi-syllabic adjectives.
Frequent in
News & Media
52%
Academia
20%
Encyclopedias
15%
Less common in
Science
8%
Wiki
4%
Formal & Business
1%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
The phrase "more obscure than" is a versatile and essential tool for creating nuanced comparisons in English. Ludwig's extensive database demonstrates that it is favored by the world's most prestigious publications, from The New York Times to Encyclopedia Britannica. It is the grammatically preferred comparative form, consistently outperforming "obscurer than" in formal and professional contexts. Whether you are describing a niche musical artist, a complex legal precedent or a forgotten historical event, this phrase provides a clear and authoritative way to rank subjects by their degree of hiddenness or complexity. For writers seeking more specific nuances, alternatives like "more arcane than" or "lesser known than" can be used depending on whether the obscurity stems from secret knowledge or a lack of public fame.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
lesser known than
Focuses specifically on the lack of fame or public recognition.
more vague than
Emphasizes a lack of detail or precision rather than just being unknown.
more arcane than
Suggests that the subject is understood by very few people or requires secret knowledge.
more opaque than
Used when something is intentionally or inherently difficult to see through or understand.
less clear than
A simpler, more direct comparison regarding intelligibility.
more recondite than
A more formal and academic term for subjects that are little known or abstruse.
more enigmatic than
Adds a layer of mystery or puzzling quality to the comparison.
more elusive than
Suggests that the subject is difficult to find, catch or define.
more cryptic than
Implies a hidden meaning or code that is hard to decipher.
harder to understand than
Shifts to a more functional and less descriptive tone.
FAQs
How do I use "more obscure than" in a sentence?
You can use it to compare fame or clarity, for example: "This historical figure remains "more obscure than" his contemporaries."
What can I say instead of "more obscure than"?
Depending on your specific meaning, you might use "lesser known than", "more arcane than" or "less clear than".
Is "more obscure than" formal enough for a thesis?
Yes, it is highly appropriate for academic work. Ludwig shows frequent usage in sources like the "Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy" and various university publications.
What is the difference between "more obscure than" and "more vague than"?
"more vague than" usually refers to a lack of detail in communication, while "more obscure than" often refers to something being hidden, unknown or difficult to find.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
91%
Authority and reliability
4.9/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested