relatively unknown

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "relatively unknown" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something or someone that is not widely recognized or familiar to the general public, but may have some level of awareness or recognition. Example: "Despite his talent, the artist remains relatively unknown outside of his local community."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"And he's still relatively unknown".

The New York Times

Being relatively unknown has advantages.

The Guardian

So far Mr Passera is relatively unknown.

The Economist

Campbell, in contrast, remained relatively unknown.

The New York Times - Sports

Within Cuba, Ms Sánchez is relatively unknown.

The Economist

And yet T, she's relatively unknown.

The New York Times - Sports

Its walking credentials are still relatively unknown.

The Guardian - Travel

However, other participating mechanisms are relatively unknown.

European Journal of Pharmacology

But for a relatively unknown act like Mayday!

The New York Times - Arts

"But the disadvantage is that everyone else is relatively unknown.

The New York Times

Michael Smith appears happy to remain relatively unknown.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "relatively unknown", consider the audience's perspective. What might be unknown to a general audience could be well-known within a specific niche or field. Provide context to clarify the level of obscurity you're describing.

Common error

Avoid using "relatively unknown" when describing something that is genuinely obscure or completely unknown. The 'relatively' suggests some level of awareness exists. If something is entirely unknown, use a stronger phrase like "completely unknown" or "utterly obscure".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "relatively unknown" functions as an adjective phrase that modifies a noun, indicating a limited degree of public awareness or recognition. As evidenced by Ludwig's AI and usage examples, it highlights that the subject is not widely familiar or famous.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Science

22%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

6%

Wiki

4%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "relatively unknown" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe something that lacks widespread recognition. Ludwig AI confirms that it is appropriate for diverse contexts, including news, science, and formal writing. While alternatives like "fairly obscure" or "not widely known" exist, "relatively unknown" offers a balance of formality and clarity. When using this phrase, remember to provide sufficient context to clarify the degree of unfamiliarity you are referencing. The phrase's high frequency in reputable sources indicates its reliability as a descriptor.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not widely known

Directly states that the subject is not known by many people.

fairly obscure

Indicates a moderate level of obscurity, suggesting limited exposure or recognition.

scarcely recognised

Emphasizes how uncommon it is that someone or something receives recognition.

largely unrecognized

Emphasizes the lack of acknowledgement or appreciation, despite potential merit.

comparatively unfamiliar

Highlights a contrast in familiarity compared to something else, suggesting a lower level of awareness.

generally unacknowledged

Focuses on the lack of formal recognition or acknowledgement.

somewhat undiscovered

Suggests the potential for future recognition, implying that the subject is currently hidden or overlooked.

moderately anonymous

Implies a deliberate lack of identifying features or a desire to remain unacknowledged.

slightly uncelebrated

Highlights a lack of praise or acclaim, despite possible deserving qualities.

relatively marginal

Indicates a position on the periphery, suggesting limited importance or influence.

FAQs

How can I use "relatively unknown" in a sentence?

You can use "relatively unknown" to describe a person, place, thing, or concept that is not widely recognized or familiar. For example: "The artist is talented but "relatively unknown" outside her local community."

What are some alternatives to the phrase "relatively unknown"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "fairly obscure", "not widely known", or "largely unrecognized" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it appropriate to use "relatively unknown" in formal writing?

Yes, "relatively unknown" is appropriate for formal writing as it is grammatically correct and widely understood. Ludwig AI examples show its usage across diverse contexts including news, science, and formal documents.

What's the difference between "relatively unknown" and "completely unknown"?

"Relatively unknown" implies that something has some level of recognition or awareness, but it's not widespread. "Completely unknown", on the other hand, suggests that something is entirely unfamiliar and lacks any recognition whatsoever.