Less friendly

USAGE SUMMARY

"less friendly" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to describe someone or something that is not as warm or welcoming as expected. For example: - "The new manager was much less friendly than the previous one." - "The cat was less friendly towards strangers than it was with its owner." - "The hotel received a few complaints about their staff being less friendly than advertised."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Ray's Dallara-Aurora was far less friendly.

The New York Times - Sports

Trulia was less friendly over all.

The New York Times - Tech

But their experience behind bars was far less friendly.

The Economist

A less friendly sort of attention came from rights holders.

The Guardian - Books

They attempt the same on an even less friendly bull.

The Economist

Are those playgrounds going to be less friendly?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

She is less friendly than I had imagined.

The Guardian - Sport

Ms. Dodes-Callahan added, "People are less friendly now".

The New York Times

Toward higher education, Mr. Pataki has been far less friendly.

The New York Times

There have been less friendly reactions to Updike's proficiency.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

But Bain is entering a market that has become decidedly less friendly to the traditional huge leveraged buyout.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "less friendly", ensure the context clearly defines what the subject was previously friendly towards. This provides a stronger comparison and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "less friendly" when you mean completely unfriendly. "Less friendly" implies a reduction in friendliness, not an absence of it. If something is entirely unfriendly, use words like "hostile" or "unwelcoming" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less friendly" functions as a comparative adjective phrase, modifying a noun by indicating a decreased level of friendliness. Ludwig examples illustrate its use in describing changes in people's behavior, environments, or policies.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "less friendly" is a commonly used comparative adjective phrase that indicates a decrease in friendliness. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts. The phrase appears most frequently in News & Media, with neutral tone. When using "less friendly", ensure the context clearly defines the comparison and that the intended meaning isn't better conveyed by words like "hostile" or "unwelcoming". Consider alternatives such as "not as amiable" or "less welcoming" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Not as amiable

Emphasizes a reduction in general agreeableness or pleasantness.

Less welcoming

Focuses on a decrease in receptiveness or openness to others.

More distant

Highlights an increase in emotional or social separation.

Colder in demeanor

Indicates a shift towards a more aloof or unfeeling attitude.

Less approachable

Suggests a decrease in the ease with which others can interact or communicate.

More reserved

Implies a greater degree of restraint or formality in behavior.

Turned sour

Describes a relationship or interaction becoming unpleasant.

Less cordial

Highlights a reduction in politeness and graciousness.

Became hostile

Signifies a shift toward antagonism and unfriendliness.

Less good-natured

Emphasizes a decline in kindness or cheerfulness.

FAQs

How can I use "Less friendly" in a sentence?

You can use "less friendly" to describe a change in someone's demeanor or a place's atmosphere. For example, "The service at the restaurant has become "less friendly" since the new management took over."

What's a more formal alternative to "less friendly"?

In formal contexts, consider using phrases like "less cordial", "less amiable", or "less hospitable" to convey a similar meaning with greater sophistication.

Is it grammatically correct to say "less friendly"?

Yes, "less friendly" is grammatically correct. "Less" is used to compare qualities that are not countable, such as friendliness.

What is the difference between "less friendly" and "unfriendly"?

"Less friendly" indicates a decrease in friendliness compared to a previous state. "Unfriendly", on the other hand, suggests a general lack of friendliness or even hostility.