unknowns

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "unknowns" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to things that are not known or understood, often in contexts such as mathematics, science, or problem-solving. Example: "In this equation, the unknowns must be solved to find the value of x."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

His argument is that GM varieties are less risky because very few new genes are transferred and they are carefully selected: Even the possibility of "unknown unknowns" does not stand up as a legitimate concern because the unpredictability of a new GM variety is much less than in conventional breeding.

The Guardian

However, those troublesome "unknown unknowns" can include items yet to be conceived at all, as well as those items actually unknown, but whose unknown status is unknown to those who insist they know such things.

The Economist

TO BORROW a phrase from Donald Rumsfeld, George Bush's former defence secretary, when it comes to the illicit trade in bomb-useable nuclear materials and know-how, it is the unknown unknowns that keep people awake at night.

The Economist

But alongside these concerns are the unknown unknowns of international terrorism, and an arc of post-cold-war instability that stretches from the Balkans to the Caucasus and around the Asian shore.In the kinds of operations that these new threats may entail, American troops are less likely to have to "fight in place" on the plains of Germany than to get to remote regions quickly.

The Economist

A further one followed the oil-price shocks of the 1970s and the return to high jobless rates followed by their gradual descent until the crisis of 2008.Put simply, the models for all their bristling mathematics cannot cope with what Donald Rumsfeld dubbed the "unknown unknowns"; or what the econometricians call "extrinsic unpredictability".

The Economist

Investors face a world marked by "known and unknown unknowns", in the words of Donald Rumsfeld, a former American defence secretary.The problem is not just that investors do not know how the fundamentals profits, interest rates and so on will develop.

The Economist

There are an awful lot of jokers in the pack.Most people face a future that comprises a combination of Donald Rumsfeld's known and unknown unknowns.

The Economist

When, as today, the unknown unknowns dominate, and the economic environment is so complex as to appear nearly incomprehensible, the result is extreme prudence, if not outright paralysis, on the part of investors, consumers and firms.

The Economist

"The idea of known and unknown unknowns recognizes that the information those in positions of responsibility in government, as well as in other human endeavors, have at their disposal is almost always incomplete," he writes.

The New York Times

Secrecy surrounding the design, sale and use of exploits makes protecting computer networks from them akin to finding "unknown unknowns", says Kenneth Geers, a cyber-security specialist at America's Naval Criminal Investigative Service.Several governments want firms to develop exploits.

The Economist

There are a lot of things that can go wrong both known unknowns and unknown unknowns.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing risks or future scenarios, use "unknowns" to acknowledge factors that are inherently uncertain and cannot be predicted with accuracy.

Common error

Avoid using "unknowns" when you actually mean "known unknowns". "Known unknowns" refer to things we know we don't know, while "unknowns" are things we aren't even aware of that we don't know.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "unknowns" is as a noun, typically in the plural form. It represents unspecified or unidentified elements, factors, or variables. As Ludwig AI suggests, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

86%

Science

7%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "unknowns" is a versatile and commonly used noun to denote unspecified or unidentified factors. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is grammatically correct and appropriate for various contexts, especially in formal writing and news reporting. When using "unknowns", it's crucial to distinguish it from "known unknowns" to avoid confusion. Use it to acknowledge areas of uncertainty, and be mindful of the specific context to choose the most fitting alternative if needed, such as "unidentified elements" or "uncertain factors".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unidentified elements

Focuses on the aspect of lacking identification, suitable when the key issue is not knowing what something is.

uncertain factors

Emphasizes the aspect of uncertainty and influence on a situation or outcome.

unpredictable variables

Highlights the characteristic of being unpredictable and changeable.

unforeseen issues

Emphasizes that the issues were not expected or anticipated.

unresolved questions

Focuses on questions that have not yet been answered or clarified.

mysteries

Implies a sense of intrigue or something difficult to understand or explain.

enigma

Highlights something puzzling, ambiguous, or inexplicable.

imponderables

Stresses the difficulty or impossibility of assessing or understanding something.

uncharted territories

Metaphorically suggests areas of knowledge or experience that are unexplored or not well understood.

blind spots

Refers to areas where knowledge or understanding is lacking, often unintentionally.

FAQs

How can I use "unknowns" in a sentence?

You can use "unknowns" to refer to things that are not known or understood, such as: "There are many "unknowns" in the equation that need to be solved."

What are some synonyms for "unknowns"?

Alternatives to "unknowns" include "unidentified elements", "uncertain factors", or "unpredictable variables" depending on the context.

What is the difference between "known unknowns" and "unknowns"?

"Known unknowns" are risks or uncertainties that we are aware of, while "unknowns" are uncertainties that we are not even aware of. The first we know that we don't know, the second we don't know that we don't know.

Is it correct to use "unknowns" in formal writing?

Yes, "unknowns" is perfectly acceptable in formal writing. It is frequently used in academic, scientific, and business contexts to refer to factors that are not yet known or understood. For example, "The study aimed to address the "unknowns" surrounding the effects of the new treatment."