relatively unpopular

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "relatively unpopular" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is not widely favored or liked compared to other options or alternatives. Example: "Despite its unique features, the product remains relatively unpopular among consumers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

33 human-written examples

What about a relatively unpopular team like the Texans?

The New York Times

It's relatively unpopular, badly understood, and might cease to exist after the Supreme Court issues its ruling, next month.

The New Yorker

You might say that the Republican brand is so toxic that House Democrats can overcome a relatively unpopular president.

The Guardian - Opinion

"It was relatively unpopular; people thought it was too difficult, too young and too wild," said Holger Reenberg, HEART's director.

The New York Times - Arts

Result: a relatively unpopular incumbent squeezed back in.The Obama campaign seems to be banking on a similar outcome this year.

The Economist

It remains relatively unpopular: the surf school is often closed, and citizens tend to stay on the central part of the urban coastline.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

27 human-written examples

Weaknesses: Pence is relatively little known outside his home state and is comparatively unpopular there.

The Guardian

The one area Mr Obama has specifically targeted tax breaks for fossil fuels is relatively small (and unpopular).In some cases the existing credits are worthwhile.

The Economist

Shula was a relatively anonymous and unpopular hire at Alabama in 2003, but he guided the program while it dealt with N.C.A.A. sanctions and went 26-23 in four seasons.

The New York Times - Sports

At best, this is an action by a relatively small and unpopular group of foreign militants whose power is waning.

Huffington Post

Despite fears of rioting, Oakland remained relatively calm after the unpopular conviction on a lesser charge for Mr. Mehserle.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "relatively unpopular" to provide a nuanced assessment, indicating that something is not entirely disliked but less favored compared to other options. For example, "The proposed solution was "relatively unpopular" due to its high cost, despite its potential benefits."

Common error

Avoid using "relatively unpopular" when describing something that is overwhelmingly disliked. Reserve the phrase for situations where there is a noticeable but not extreme lack of popularity. If something is universally hated, a stronger term like "widely despised" is more accurate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "relatively unpopular" functions as an adverb-adjective combination that modifies a noun or noun phrase, indicating a degree of unpopularity that is not absolute but exists in comparison to something else. Ludwig AI validates this function based on its examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "relatively unpopular" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe something that is less favored compared to other options, but not necessarily disliked entirely. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is frequently found in news and media, though it also appears in scientific and formal contexts. When using this phrase, it's important to consider the degree of unpopularity and ensure that "relatively unpopular" accurately reflects the situation, avoiding overstatement. Consider alternatives like "somewhat disliked" or "less favored" for nuanced expression. The sources analyzed show that "relatively unpopular" is a versatile phrase for conveying comparative lack of popularity in various contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not especially popular

Directly negates high popularity, implying a lower level of acceptance.

mildly unpopular

Emphasizes that the unpopularity is not strong or intense.

less favored

Simpler alternative, indicating a lower preference compared to others.

somewhat disliked

Emphasizes the feeling of dislike rather than just lack of popularity.

not widely embraced

Focuses on the lack of general acceptance or enthusiasm.

moderately disfavored

More formal and indicates a lack of preference.

comparatively unliked

Highlights the comparison to something more liked.

relatively disfavored

A more formal synonym, indicating a comparatively lower degree of favor.

not particularly well-received

Focuses on the reception of something by an audience.

partially rejected

Suggests active rejection to some extent.

FAQs

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

You can use "relatively unpopular" to describe something that is less liked or favored compared to other options, but not necessarily hated. For instance, "The new policy was "relatively unpopular" among employees due to its restrictive nature."

What's the difference between "relatively unpopular" and "unpopular"?

"Relatively unpopular" implies a comparison, suggesting something is less popular than alternatives. "Unpopular" is a more general term indicating a lack of widespread favor. For example, a "relatively unpopular" candidate might still have a base of support, while an unpopular candidate may have very little support.

What are some alternatives to "relatively unpopular"?

You can use alternatives like "somewhat disliked", "less favored", or "not especially popular" depending on the context. Each alternative emphasizes different aspects of the lack of popularity. You could say that a "mildly unpopular" idea still has some merit.

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

Yes, "relatively unpopular" is suitable for formal writing. It provides a nuanced and precise way to describe a lack of popularity without resorting to overly strong or informal language. Using a phrase like "moderately disfavored" would also work well in such scenarios.