unsung

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "unsung" is an English word and is used correctly in written English.
It is used as an adjective to refer to someone or something that is not praised or celebrated despite being deserving of recognition or reward. For example: "The unsung heroes of this project were the volunteer workers, who put in hours of dedicated hard work to make it a success without any thanks or recognition."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Zig and Zag The Big Breakfast's resident troublemakers are the unsung hero of fashion's faux fur moment.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

He hasn't been to Villa Bianca for two years, and the last time was at the invitation of Alan Yentob (who was making a film about Davies's mercurial and often unsung gift and influence).

The Guardian - Music

She was Lord Mayor of London," said the senior dame, inviting us to reflect, perhaps for the first time, on the unsung martyrdom that is lord mayoral service.

The Guardian - Opinion

Mathematician (1882-1935) Suggested by paulmckeown, Chris Norris and palindrom According to palindrom, Noether's contribution to science is "the key to modern physical theory", but the German mathematician remains so unsung that paulcckeown claims not "more than a few in a thousand on the Clapham Omnibus will have heard of [her]".

The Guardian

Chemist and X-ray crystallographer (1920-1958) Suggested by guface and J_smudger Another unsung hero not on the list is English chemist and X-ray crystallographer Rosalind Franklin.

The Guardian

Should any French cycling fans make the reverse journey this weekend for the inaugural Tour de Yorkshire, they may encounter one of Britain's unsung culinary delicacies: le battered sausage, dyed blue by Audrey's chip shop in Bridlington to match the turquoise jersey of the race leader.

The Guardian - Sport

It was also significant because the years of work done by Mclean, Maggie Alphonsi and all the unsung heroes of English women's rugby had finally been rewarded.

The Guardian - Sport

Murray was one of those conscientious, quiet TUC bureaucrats who do excellent, unsung work in committees and are then pitched forward into the top job by virtue of the Buggin's turn system which operates at Congress House.

The Guardian

These unsung workers are the linchpin of our entire world economy.

The Economist

Less common among bureaucrats, however, is his radicalism.In this section Platoons under siege Playground politics The darkest deal Softball War of numbers Enter the chicken king Beyond petroleum The unsung radical Muscle v multiculturalism ReprintsThe government is eager to create a more open and decentralised state.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

But in 2004 it secured the backing of a then-unsung Rafael Nadal for a new racket called the Aero Pro Drive, which has since become one of the world's most popular.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "unsung" to give credit to someone or something that deserves recognition but hasn't received it. It adds a layer of depth and appreciation to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "unsung" when the lack of recognition is justified. The term implies that something deserves praise but has been unfairly overlooked.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "unsung" is as an adjective. It modifies nouns to describe something or someone that has not been praised or celebrated, despite deserving recognition. Ludwig AI confirms that the word is correctly used in written English to add depth and meaning.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Formal & Business

31%

Science

23%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

0%

Reference

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The adjective "unsung" effectively highlights unrecognized merit and value. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and widely used in written English. It commonly appears in "News & Media", "Formal & Business", and "Science" contexts, showcasing its versatility in acknowledging contributions that deserve more attention. When using "unsung", ensure that the subject truly warrants recognition that it has not yet received. For alternative expressions, consider "unheralded", "unappreciated", or "unrecognized" to subtly shift the emphasis. By understanding the nuances of "unsung", writers can add depth and nuance to their descriptions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unappreciated

Highlights the lack of gratitude or value shown.

unrecognized

Emphasizes the failure to acknowledge or identify merit.

unheralded

Focuses more on the lack of public announcement or acclaim.

unacknowledged

Highlights the absence of formal recognition or acceptance.

undervalued

Suggests the worth or importance is not adequately recognized.

uncelebrated

Implies the absence of festivities or honoring.

overlooked

Indicates being missed or ignored, often unintentionally.

uncredited

Specifically refers to not receiving attribution for work or contributions.

forgotten

Emphasizes the state of being no longer remembered or considered.

obscure

Indicates a lack of fame or prominence.

FAQs

How can I use "unsung" in a sentence?

You can use "unsung" to describe heroes, achievements, or qualities that have not received the recognition they deserve. For example, "The "unheralded" efforts of the volunteers made the project a success."

What is the difference between "unsung" and "unappreciated"?

"Unsung" emphasizes a lack of public recognition or praise, while "unappreciated" focuses on a lack of personal gratitude or value shown. You might call someone an "unsung" hero if their deeds aren't widely known, even if they're appreciated by those they directly help. Something can be both "unappreciated" and "unsung".

What are some synonyms for "unsung"?

Some synonyms for "unsung" include "unheralded", "unrecognized", "unappreciated", and "overlooked". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always positive to describe someone as "unsung"?

Yes, describing someone or something as "unsung" generally carries a positive connotation, implying that they are deserving of praise and recognition. It highlights a positive quality or contribution that has been unfairly ignored.