not knowledgeable about

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "not knowledgeable about" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when describing someone's lack of knowledge on a specific topic. Example: "She is not knowledgeable about advanced mathematics." Alternative expressions include "uninformed about," "lacking knowledge of," and "not well-versed in."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

Mr. West is nothing if not knowledgeable about designers, and Ms. Burch is a doll.

The New York Times

I think that that's the claim of someone who is not knowledgeable about government.

The New York Times

Mr. Lake recommends that employers review their practices and seek professional assistance if they are not knowledgeable about legal requirements.

The New York Times

Inspectors found that local officers in the program were "not knowledgeable about the asylum process" and other basic tenets of immigration codes.

The New York Times

But like most of medicine, the specialists we consulted were not knowledgeable about helping you live your life without a pill or scalpel".

The New York Times - Health

Their parents are often not knowledgeable about the services that their children are supposed to receive — and that contractors are billing for.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

7 human-written examples

"Even if they've been married before and bought a home, they often aren't knowledgeable about the process.

The New York Times

He said of Mr. Green, "If he wasn't knowledgeable about it, then he should take responsibility and find out what his staff did.

The New York Times

The actor said he wasn't knowledgeable about the Bible before taking on the role, but had undertaken significant research, including also reading the Torah, the Koran and Jonathan Kirsch's life of Moses.

The Guardian - Film

People weren't knowledgeable about contraception, so they were surgically sterilized.

Vice

At the time, I wasn't knowledgeable about the invention of navigation systems, and even if they were available, I couldn't have afforded it on my salary.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "not knowledgeable about", clearly specify the area of knowledge to avoid ambiguity. For example, "He is not knowledgeable about astrophysics" is clearer than "He is not knowledgeable."

Common error

Avoid overgeneralizations. Saying someone is "not knowledgeable" without specifying the subject can be misleading and unfair. Always provide context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not knowledgeable about" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun or pronoun, indicating a lack of knowledge or expertise in a particular area. Ludwig shows that this phrase is commonly used to describe someone's deficiency in a specific subject matter.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Science

33%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "not knowledgeable about" is a versatile and common way to express a lack of knowledge or expertise in a particular area. As Ludwig confirms, it is grammatically sound and frequently used across various contexts, from news and media to scientific research. When employing this phrase, clarity is key, and it is advisable to specify the subject matter to which the lack of knowledge refers. While alternatives like "unfamiliar with" or "uninformed about" exist, "not knowledgeable about" remains a clear and neutral choice for conveying this meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

uninformed about

Emphasizes a lack of information or data regarding a particular topic.

unfamiliar with

Indicates a lack of acquaintance or experience with something; slightly less direct than "not knowledgeable about".

unaware of

Highlights a lack of consciousness or realization about something.

ignorant of

Implies a lack of knowledge, sometimes suggesting a willful disregard for information; a stronger term.

lacking expertise in

Focuses on the absence of specialized skill or knowledge in a specific area.

not versed in

Suggests a lack of deep understanding or proficiency, often in academic or technical subjects.

inexperienced in

Highlights a lack of practical exposure or hands-on experience.

naïve about

Suggests a lack of worldly knowledge or understanding, often implying innocence or simplicity.

oblivious to

Indicates a lack of awareness due to being preoccupied or inattentive.

clueless about

Informal and implies a complete lack of understanding or awareness.

FAQs

How can I use "not knowledgeable about" in a sentence?

Use "not knowledgeable about" to indicate a lack of expertise or information on a specific topic. For example, "The consultant was "not knowledgeable about" the local market regulations."

What are some alternatives to saying "not knowledgeable about"?

You can use alternatives like "unfamiliar with", "uninformed about", or "lacking expertise in" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "not knowledgeable about" or "unaware of"?

The best choice depends on the context. "Not knowledgeable about" emphasizes a lack of expertise or detailed understanding, while "unaware of" simply means lacking awareness of something. They are often interchangeable, but "not knowledgeable about" is more appropriate when discussing skills or detailed information.

What is the difference between "not knowledgeable about" and "ignorant of"?

"Not knowledgeable about" is a neutral way to describe a lack of information. "Ignorant of", on the other hand, often implies a willful neglect of information or a more severe lack of understanding and can be seen as offensive. Use "not knowledgeable about" for a more polite tone.