littleknown

Littleknown is generally considered a nonstandard spelling of the adjective little-known. The standard form in contemporary English is little-known with a hyphen. The meaning is the same: not widely known or recognized.

Etymology: The phrase combines the determiner 'little' and the past participle 'known' from know, dating to early modern English; the hyphen became common in the 19th and 20th centuries to join the words into a single descriptor.

Usage and nuance: The term is used in journalism, criticism, academia, and travel writing to distinguish things that lack broad awareness. It is relative, dependent on audience and context, and can describe people, places, or ideas.

Limitations and alternatives: Because 'little-known' is subjective, writers should avoid implying lack of credibility. For stronger neutrality, use terms like obscure, niche, or esoteric, or specify the domain.