not understood well

USAGE SUMMARY

"not understood well" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express that something was not fully comprehended. For example, "The instructions were not understood well by most of the students."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

33 human-written examples

"The steps sometimes could look quite conventional, if they are not understood well.

The New Yorker

We'd decided that the condition was not understood well enough to have been given a name.

The New Yorker

"The reasons for these large numbers were not understood well enough to ensure processes in place did not discriminate against these groups," said the report.

Independent

It is a dirty, dangerous and dodgy energy supply which is still not understood well enough", said Green party leader Caroline Lucas at a meeting in London on Tuesday.

The Guardian

"The No. 1 misunderstanding about antibiotics in animal agriculture is that it is not understood well enough that antibiotics are used to keep animals healthy, period," said Randall Singer, a professor of veterinary science at the University of Minnesota.

The New York Times

However, the learning processes inside these organisations are still not understood well.

Research Policy

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

26 human-written examples

What do most people not understand well enough about poetry?

Huffington Post

The modern mafia state is a hybrid whose behavior and reach we do not understand well.

Huffington Post

What I do not understand well is the advantage of the "species signature" versus dN.

Biology Direct

However, some of them could not understand well the situation and life of local people, especially in the countryside".

BMC Medical Education

"We are immersed in studying Mesopotamia, and this is a fundamental thing that we don't understand well enough".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "not understood well", ensure the context clearly indicates what is not being fully comprehended. Specify the subject or concept that lacks understanding for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "not understood well" in overly broad statements without specifying what lacks understanding. Instead, clarify the specific aspect or detail that is not fully comprehended to provide more meaningful information.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not understood well" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun or concept to indicate a lack of comprehensive understanding. It is often used to describe complex topics or phenomena, as evidenced by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

36%

News & Media

36%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "not understood well" functions as an adjectival phrase indicating a lack of complete comprehension. Ludwig AI confirms it's grammatically correct and frequently used across various contexts, including science, news, and general discussions. While alternatives like "poorly understood" exist, the best choice depends on the specific nuance. When using the phrase, clarity is key: specify what exactly is "not understood well" to avoid vagueness. This ensures effective communication and accurate conveyance of your intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

poorly understood

Emphasizes the inadequacy of understanding.

not clearly understood

Highlights the lack of clarity in the understanding.

imperfectly understood

Suggests that the understanding is incomplete or flawed.

vaguely understood

Indicates a lack of precision or detail in the understanding.

insufficiently understood

Focuses on the inadequacy of the understanding for a specific purpose.

not fully grasped

Implies that the concept hasn't been completely comprehended.

not appreciated

Suggests a lack of realization or acknowledgement of the importance or impact.

misunderstood

Indicates that the concept has been interpreted incorrectly.

underestimated

Suggests the concept's true importance or impact is not recognized.

not recognized

Indicates a lack of awareness or acknowledgement.

FAQs

How can I use "not understood well" in a sentence?

You can use "not understood well" to describe a concept, idea, or process that is not fully comprehended. For example, "The intricacies of quantum physics are "not understood well" by the general public".

What are some alternatives to saying "not understood well"?

Alternatives to "not understood well" include "poorly understood", "not clearly understood", or "imperfectly understood". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "not well understood" or "not understood well"?

Both "not well understood" and "not understood well" are grammatically correct and generally interchangeable. However, "not well understood" is slightly more common. The choice often depends on personal preference and the rhythm of the sentence.

What does it mean when something is "not understood well"?

When something is "not understood well", it means that there is a lack of complete comprehension or clarity regarding that thing. It suggests that further research or explanation may be needed.