unremarkably

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "unremarkably" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is ordinary or lacks distinctive features. Example: "The movie was unremarkably average, failing to leave a lasting impression on the audience."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

Most of his professional life had been spent unremarkably, teaching history in universities and compiling a 74-part encyclopedia of China.

The Economist

The old bank bumbled along unremarkably for most of the 20th century, but ran into deep trouble in the 1990s and was taken over in 1998 by Norwest Bancorp, a Minneapolis bank.

The Economist

Consider the bet described in the previous paragraph, and imagine some unremarkably risk-averse person who turns it down.

The Economist

I can't imagine how many astrophysicists it took to gauge that metric, but to the untrained eye the ads seem unremarkably dishonest (as far as political ads go) and, yes, very effective.

The Economist

Unremarkably, the uprising continued, and caused Israel pain: in the month since Mr Sharon took office, soldiers, settlers and children have been killed by Palestinian gunfire and suicide-bombers.

The Economist

The researchers say the results show that, unremarkably, people in good health are almost twice as likely to be interested in sex as those in poor health.

Independent

The women (and this increased over the years) were more powerful than the smallish, unremarkably dressed men.

The New Yorker

Each night I looked around these warm, loud rooms with their Christmas trees or Hanukkah menorahs, looking at every man longingly and thinking, "Are you the one?" But the holidays passed unremarkably, and when my oldest friend teased, "Hey, weren't you supposed to meet your husband?" — much to both our surprise, I broke down in tears.

The New York Times

"Also, you may find that everyone you're related to was nothing but a drone in the vast hive of humanity, living unremarkably and dying unexceptionally, just as you probably will".

The New York Times - Arts

A book that begins unremarkably blossoms in stirring and surprising ways.

The New York Times - Books

This technology gives all Priuses their telltale driving characteristics: an engine that shuts off at stoplights and performs adequately if unremarkably around town, but groans at high r.p.m. as it struggles to accelerate.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "unremarkably" to subtly downplay the significance of an event or action, creating a sense of understated commentary.

Common error

Avoid using "unremarkably" excessively in formal academic or scientific writing, as it can introduce a subjective tone that undermines objectivity. In such contexts, opt for more neutral descriptors.

Linguistic Context

The adverb "unremarkably" modifies verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs to indicate the manner in which an action is performed or a quality is exhibited. As seen in the examples provided by Ludwig, it typically serves to downplay or neutralize the significance of what is being described.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "unremarkably" functions as an adverb that serves to temper or diminish the perceived importance or distinctiveness of an action or event. As Ludwig AI confirms, its grammatical status is correct, and is frequently employed in News & Media sources to signal a lack of surprise or exceptionality. While versatile, it's best practice to avoid overuse in formal contexts to maintain an objective tone. Alternatives like "ordinarily" or "typically" offer nuanced substitutions, and understanding its function helps writers use it effectively to create subtle yet impactful statements.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ordinarily

Expresses something done in a normal or customary way, emphasizing routine over surprise.

commonly

Highlights frequency and widespread occurrence, suggesting a lack of uniqueness.

typically

Focuses on conformity to a pattern or type, rather than deviation.

usually

Implies that something happens in most circumstances, lacking any exceptional qualities.

normally

Indicates adherence to an expected standard or condition, without standing out.

unsurprisingly

Emphasizes the expected nature of an event or situation, removing any element of astonishment.

predictably

Suggests that something was easily foreseen or anticipated, without novelty.

inconspicuously

Describes something done in a way that avoids attention, not drawing focus.

plainly

Highlights simplicity and lack of embellishment, with nothing remarkable.

undistinguishedly

Emphasizes a lack of notable features or characteristics, blending in.

FAQs

How can I use "unremarkably" in a sentence?

You can use "unremarkably" to describe actions or events that happen in an ordinary or unremarkable way. For example: "The day passed "unremarkably", with no major events."

What are some alternatives to the word "unremarkably"?

Some alternatives to "unremarkably" include "ordinarily", "typically", or "commonly". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "unremarkably average"?

Yes, "unremarkably average" is a valid and often used expression. It emphasizes that something is not only average but also predictably so.

What is the difference between "unremarkably" and "remarkably"?

"Unremarkably" means in a way that is not worth noticing or mentioning, while "remarkably" means in a way that is worthy of attention or comment. They are antonyms.