virtually unknown

USAGE SUMMARY

"virtually unknown" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when referring to something that is hardly known or not widely known. For example: "The artist's work was virtually unknown until recently."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Before death Virtually unknown.

Independent

Hunger was virtually unknown".

The Guardian

Both are virtually unknown.

The New York Times - Sports

At the time West was virtually unknown.

The New York Times - Books

A month ago, he was virtually unknown.

The New York Times - Sports

Virtually unknown, however, are his films.

The Guardian - Arts

In 1942, fast food was virtually unknown.

The New York Times

Intravenous drug misuse is virtually unknown.

The Guardian

Why, then, is she virtually unknown today?

The New York Times

Crime, he said, was virtually unknown there.

The New York Times

So why is he virtually unknown?

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "virtually unknown", ensure the context provides a clear indication of the degree of unfamiliarity or lack of recognition you're describing. It suggests a near-complete absence of awareness.

Common error

Avoid using "virtually unknown" when something is merely niche or has a small following. The phrase implies a much wider lack of awareness than a simple lack of popularity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "virtually unknown" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun. It describes the extent to which something lacks recognition or is unfamiliar, emphasizing a near-complete absence of knowledge.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "virtually unknown" is a grammatically sound and frequently used adjective phrase to describe something that is almost entirely unrecognized or unfamiliar. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is considered correct and widely usable, emphasizing obscurity across various domains. Its frequent appearance in news media, academic, and scientific contexts underscores its versatility. When using this phrase, be mindful of the degree of unfamiliarity you intend to convey, ensuring it aligns with the context to avoid overstatement. Alternatives such as "largely unrecognized" or "relatively obscure" can provide nuanced variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

practically unrecognised

Uses a synonym of "virtually" for emphasis, while also changing "unknown" to "unrecognised".

largely unrecognized

Focuses on the lack of recognition rather than the degree of knowledge.

almost undiscovered

Emphasizes the potential for future discovery and recognition.

scarcely acknowledged

Highlights a lack of formal acceptance or notice.

relatively obscure

Suggests a moderate level of unfamiliarity, less extreme than "virtually unknown".

mostly unheard of

Emphasizes the lack of auditory awareness or general knowledge.

essentially unfamiliar

Highlights a lack of familiarity or experience with something.

little recognized

Focuses on the limited scope of recognition.

substantially uncharted

Emphasizes the unexplored nature of a subject.

broadly unacknowledged

Emphasizes a widespread failure to give credit or recognition.

FAQs

How can I use "virtually unknown" in a sentence?

You can use "virtually unknown" to describe something that is almost completely unrecognized or undiscovered. For example, "The artist remained "virtually unknown" until a major retrospective of her work was organized."

What are some alternatives to the phrase "virtually unknown"?

Alternatives include "largely unrecognized", "almost undiscovered", or "relatively obscure". The best choice depends on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "virtually unknown" in formal writing?

Yes, "virtually unknown" is suitable for formal writing as it's grammatically correct and widely understood. However, ensure the context warrants such a strong expression of unfamiliarity.

What is the difference between "virtually unknown" and "completely unknown"?

"Virtually unknown" suggests a very high degree of unfamiliarity, almost to the point of being completely unknown, but allows for a slight possibility of some awareness. "Completely unknown" implies absolute unfamiliarity.