unheard of

USAGE SUMMARY

"unheard of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express something extraordinary or something that is surprising in its rarity. For example: "It was unheard of for the team to win three championships in a row."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

Unheard of.

The New Yorker

"It was unheard of".

The New York Times - Arts

"That's unheard of".

The New York Times

Hugs are unheard of.

Independent

And that's unheard of".

The New York Times

"That's unheard of here".

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

8 human-written examples

Almost unheard-of".

The New York Times - Arts

Renunciation is not unheard-of.

The New York Times

It's an unheard-of ability.

The New York Times - Books

Such efficiency is unheard-of in India.

The New York Times

Bribery offers are not unheard-of.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "unheard of", ensure the context clearly establishes what is considered normal or expected to highlight the exceptional nature of the subject.

Common error

Avoid using "unheard of" to describe situations that are merely surprising or unusual, but not truly unprecedented. Overusing it dilutes its impact and diminishes its effectiveness.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "unheard of" is as a predicate adjective, modifying a noun or pronoun to describe its exceptional or unprecedented nature. As Ludwig AI explains, it suggests that something is extremely rare or outside the bounds of normal experience.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "unheard of" is a versatile predicate adjective used to emphasize the exceptional and unprecedented nature of something. Ludwig AI confirms that it's grammatically correct and widely used, especially in News & Media, highlighting the surprise and rarity of a situation. While it maintains a neutral register, its impact is most effective when used accurately, avoiding overuse in merely unusual contexts. Remember that phrases like "unprecedented" or "extraordinary" can serve as alternatives, depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unprecedented

Focuses on the lack of prior instances, emphasizing its novelty.

unimaginable

Highlights the difficulty in conceiving or believing something.

extraordinary

Stresses the exceptional nature and rarity of the occurrence.

remarkable

Emphasizes the noteworthiness and unusual quality of the situation.

novel

Indicates the newness and originality of the event or concept.

unconventional

Highlights the deviation from established norms or practices.

out of the ordinary

Suggests a departure from the typical or expected.

unique

Emphasizes the singular and unmatched nature of the occurrence.

singular

Highlights the exceptional and distinctive quality.

exceptional

Focuses on the outstanding and superior quality.

FAQs

How can I use "unheard of" in a sentence?

You can use "unheard of" to describe something that is exceptional or unprecedented. For example: "It's "unheard of" for a rookie to win the championship."

What's a less formal way to say "unheard of"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "unbelievable", "outrageous", or "remarkable" as less formal alternatives to "unheard of".

Is it correct to say "seldom heard of" instead of "unheard of"?

While "seldom heard of" is grammatically correct, it doesn't convey the same sense of extreme rarity or unprecedented nature as ""unheard of"". They have different nuances.

What's the difference between "unprecedented" and "unheard of"?

"Unprecedented" means having no prior instance, while ""unheard of"" implies something is so unusual it's virtually unknown. "Unprecedented" focuses on the lack of a previous occurrence, while "unheard of" emphasizes the surprise and rarity.