not well known

USAGE SUMMARY

"not well known" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe something that is not widely known or recognized. For example: "This obscure artist's works are not well known outside of her small hometown."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

The.co.uk is not well known.

The Guardian

It's not well known.

The New York Times - Arts

Sharks' geographic ranges are not well known.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But he is not well known.

The Economist

Not well known (see also Predation).

Cornell University

But risk factors are not well known.

Journal of the American College of Surgeons

"He's not well known outside the elite".

The Guardian

Oddly, they are not well known.

The New York Times

He was known, but not well known.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Polls showed he was well-liked but not well-known.

The New York Times

"Record labels are not well-known for their intelligence".

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing topics that are "not well known", use accessible language to bridge the knowledge gap and engage a broader readership.

Common error

Avoid using "not well known" as a substitute for specific details. Always elaborate on the subject's background to improve clarity for readers.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not well known" functions as a descriptive adjective phrase. It modifies a noun by indicating a lack of widespread knowledge or recognition. Ludwig AI's examples highlight its use in diverse contexts to convey that something is unfamiliar to many.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Science

33%

Academia

14%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "not well known" is a versatile adjective phrase used to describe a lack of widespread awareness or recognition. Grammatically correct and common, as affirmed by Ludwig AI, it finds frequent application in news, scientific, and academic contexts. While seemingly simple, remember to consider your audience's existing knowledge and provide context when employing this phrase. It's crucial to avoid assumptions of universal understanding and ensure clarity for your readers. Remember that alternatives like "relatively unknown" or "obscure" may offer subtle differences in meaning. Consider what nuances those phrases convey when making your selection. Ensure precision and clarity in your writing, as that's the hallmark of effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

relatively unknown

Indicates a moderate degree of obscurity, implying some awareness but limited knowledge.

largely unfamiliar

Suggests a general lack of knowledge or experience with the subject.

not widely recognized

Emphasizes the absence of broad acknowledgement or acclaim.

poorly understood

Highlights a lack of comprehension or insight regarding the topic.

obscure

Implies a hidden or indistinct quality, making it difficult to find or understand.

unheralded

Suggests a lack of praise or recognition, often implying deserving of more attention.

esoteric

Implies knowledge limited to a small group of specialists, often difficult for others to grasp.

underappreciated

Highlights that something is not valued as much as it should be.

niche

Suggests that something is only popular among a specific group of people.

unpublicized

Indicates a lack of marketing or promotion, resulting in low awareness.

FAQs

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

You can use "not well known" to describe something that lacks widespread familiarity. For example, "The benefits of this ancient technique are "not well known" to modern practitioners".

What are some alternatives to the phrase "not well known"?

Alternatives include "relatively unknown", "largely unfamiliar", or "obscure" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "not well known" or "unknown"?

While both are valid, "not well known" suggests some level of existing awareness, whereas "unknown" implies a complete absence of knowledge. Choose the phrase that best reflects the situation.

How can I determine if something is "not well known"?

Consider the target audience and their likely level of expertise. If the subject is rarely discussed in mainstream sources and requires specialized knowledge to understand, it is likely "not well known".