obscure person

USAGE SUMMARY

"obscure person" is a correct phrase that is used in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe someone who is unknown or unfamiliar, especially in comparison to someone more famous or more well-known. For example: "Although he was an obscure person in the world of science, his theories would eventually revolutionize the field."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

Ms. Steele is an obscure person -- a nobody, as she says.

The New York Times

And, as the title of The Invisible Woman tells us, its subject was an obscure person.

The Guardian - Books

"The obscure person commits a crime and is pushed into this carceral light," she said.

The New Yorker

Solving the tantalizing mystery simply became a compulsion for Mr. Feldman, who once researched another obscure person based on a 19th-century expense ledger.

The New York Times

"But when he did he would corner the most obscure person, some old bureaucrat, and ask him hundreds of questions, rapid-fire.

The Guardian - Books

He contended that the biblical story tracing the Hebrews from Egypt to Canaan resulted from an editor's weaving separate themes and traditions around a main character Moses, actually an obscure person from Moab.

Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

A small group of letters by obscure persons and fragments is found at the end.

University of Chicago

Filming someone from behind or placing an object to obscure a person's distinctive features can be effective but again it must be done sufficiently to ensure the level of anonymity required.

BBC

You know how they talk about the "MySpace angles?" Where shots are taken at crazy angles that obscure a person's true appearance?

TechCrunch

"They obscure a person's face.

Los Angeles Times

Lawyers for Jamilla Clark and Arwa Aziz filed a federal class-action lawsuit against the city on Friday, seeking unspecified damages and a change to current city policy that requires head coverings to be removed for the police department's official photo ― even those coverings, like headscarves, that do not obscure a person's face.

HuffPost

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "obscure person" when you want to emphasize someone's lack of fame or recognition, especially compared to others in a particular field or situation.

Common error

Avoid using "obscure person" in contexts where you intend to convey mystery or shadiness. While it can imply a lack of knowledge, it doesn't inherently suggest malicious intent. For a more negative connotation, consider "shadowy figure" or "questionable character".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "obscure person" functions primarily as a descriptive noun phrase. It modifies a noun (person) by providing the adjective "obscure", indicating a lack of widespread recognition or fame. Ludwig's examples show this phrase used to describe individuals in various fields, highlighting their relative anonymity.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Academia

20%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "obscure person" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase to describe someone not widely known or famous. According to Ludwig, it is considered a correct and acceptable expression. Its usage spans various contexts, including news, academia, and encyclopedias, with a neutral tone suitable for both formal and informal writing. While the phrase is helpful for indicating a lack of recognition, it's crucial to avoid confusing it with terms denoting secrecy or malice. By using "obscure person" appropriately, you can effectively convey the intended meaning without causing confusion or misinterpretations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unknown individual

Focuses on the lack of recognition or familiarity of the person.

unfamiliar figure

Highlights the lack of acquaintance or knowledge about the person.

little-known person

Emphasizes the scarcity of public awareness regarding the individual.

nameless entity

Suggests a lack of identity or recognition, often used in a more abstract or philosophical context.

inconspicuous character

Highlights the person's tendency to go unnoticed or blend into the background.

insignificant player

Emphasizes the person's limited influence or impact in a particular situation.

unheralded name

Focuses on the lack of public acclaim or recognition for the person's achievements or qualities.

unsung hero

Highlights the person's contributions or achievements that have gone largely unnoticed or unappreciated.

background figure

Suggests that the person plays a supporting or secondary role, often away from the spotlight.

shadowy character

Implies secrecy or mystery surrounding the person, often with negative connotations.

FAQs

How can I use "obscure person" in a sentence?

You can use "obscure person" to describe someone who is not well-known or famous. For example, "The award was given to an "obscure person" in the field of mathematics, surprising many."

What's a good alternative to "obscure person"?

Alternatives include "unknown individual", "little-known person", or "unfamiliar figure", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to use "obscure person" in formal writing?

Yes, "obscure person" is appropriate for formal writing. It is a neutral and grammatically correct phrase that clearly conveys the intended meaning.

What is the difference between "obscure person" and "private person"?

"Obscure person" refers to someone who is not widely known or famous, while "private person" refers to someone who prefers to keep their personal life out of the public eye. They are not interchangeable. A "private person" could be well-known but intentionally avoids publicity.