not widely recognized

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "not widely recognized" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is not commonly acknowledged or accepted by a large number of people. Example: "The artist's work is not widely recognized, despite its profound impact on contemporary art."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Carmen & Geoffrey" leaves you wondering why its subjects are not widely recognized as national treasures.

The New York Times

The scale of the losses sustained by Africa is not widely recognized.

The New York Times

At first the significance of Fleming's discovery was not widely recognized.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Mr. Balcer, 60, is not widely recognized as a nature lover.

The New York Times

The name of Montague Rhodes James is not widely recognized in America, and there will be little fellow-feeling for the world he chose to inhabit.

The New Yorker

For now, in Park City, the adopted home of Vonn and her husband and constant travel partner, the former ski racer Thomas Vonn, she is not widely recognized.

The New York Times - Sports

"The Body Shop has always tackled uncomfortable, not widely recognized issues," said Sophie Gasperment, the chief executive of Body Shop International for almost two years.

The New York Times

The Unilever name is not widely recognized by consumers, but it is the corporate parent behind a vast array of everyday beauty, home-care and food staples.

The New York Times

The concept of developmental disability was formalized in the United States in the 1960s, but it was not widely recognized internationally until the 1970s.

Britannica

We thus provide new evidence for a potentially important interaction of aeolian hillslope fluvial processes, which could affect dryland regions substantially in ways not widely recognized.

Geomorphology

Yet there is a third factor, not widely recognized, said Natalie Mahowald, a climate researcher at Cornell University and author of the article in Science.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "not widely recognized", ensure the context clearly explains why the subject is not well-known. Providing specific examples or reasons enhances the reader's understanding.

Common error

Avoid using "not widely recognized" when referring to niche topics within specialized fields. It's more accurate when discussing concepts that should reasonably be known by a broader audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not widely recognized" functions as an adjective phrase that modifies a noun, indicating a lack of broad awareness or acknowledgment. As Ludwig AI shows, it describes a condition or status where something is not generally known or appreciated.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

38%

News & Media

38%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Academia

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "not widely recognized" effectively conveys that something is not generally known or acknowledged. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage across varied contexts, particularly in science, news and media. When employing this phrase, it's best practice to provide context to explain the lack of recognition. Remember to avoid overusing it for niche topics. By understanding its nuances and appropriate contexts, you can enhance the clarity and impact of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not generally known

Focuses on the lack of general knowledge about something.

not commonly acknowledged

Highlights the lack of common acceptance or admission.

not broadly accepted

Emphasizes the limited acceptance of an idea or concept.

not well-established

Indicates that something lacks a firm foundation or widespread acceptance.

largely unknown

Stresses the extensive lack of familiarity with something.

underappreciated

Highlights that something is valued less than it deserves.

overlooked

Suggests that something has been missed or ignored.

not fully understood

Emphasizes the incomplete comprehension of a subject.

poorly understood

Indicates a low level of comprehension or awareness.

obscure

Implies that something is vague, hidden, or not easily discovered.

FAQs

How can I use "not widely recognized" in a sentence?

You can use "not widely recognized" to indicate that a concept, fact, or person isn't generally known or acknowledged, as in, "The importance of soil microbes is "not widely recognized" by the general public".

What are some alternatives to "not widely recognized"?

Some alternatives include "not generally known", "not commonly acknowledged", or "largely unknown", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "not widely recognized" or "unrecognized"?

"Not widely recognized" implies some level of awareness exists, but it's not common. "Unrecognized" suggests a complete lack of recognition. The best choice depends on the specific situation.

What does it mean when something is "not widely recognized"?

It means that the subject in question, whether it's a fact, idea, or person, is not generally known or appreciated by a large number of people. It implies a lack of broad awareness or understanding.