a less than appealing

USAGE SUMMARY

"a less than appealing" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when you want to describe something that is not very attractive or exciting. For example: "The theater was located in a less than appealing area of town."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

NBC enters this week's upfront in a less than appealing spot: last place.

Forbes

Add this to Sanders' advanced age for a Presidential candidate (he'll be 75 if elected in 2016), and you've got a less than appealing image for most Democratic strategists.

Huffington Post

Many people choose to leave out the green, which is lime if you're using original Skittles, and purple, which is grape in the original style, as they can create a weird taste combination or a less than appealing color for the final product.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

With unemployment and "under-employment" rampant among grads, many college students are facing the unpleasant reality of a less-than-appealing job market.

TechCrunch

To paint a less-than-appealing picture: "If you ask people how disgusted they'd be to see an unflushed toilet in a public bathroom, a political conservative would be more likely to be grossed out," Pizarro said.

Duke University

So what's a girl to do when it's summer and she's craving a hearty bowl of porridge, but the thought of something piping hot is a little less than appealing?

Huffington Post

At Roc Apparel, on the 39th floor of a garment center building, a half-dozen designers and sales executives were reviewing prototypes of the spring 2013 Billionaire Boys Club collection, which includes some experimental pieces that, resting on a hanger, looked less than appealing.

The New York Times

But dry chicken made a couple of dishes less than appealing.

The New York Times

The all too cozy relationship between the book and publishing division and the broadcast news division gives off a smell that is less than appealing.

Huffington Post

Or does the idea of using mascara that's been down a guy's pants seem less than appealing?

HuffPost

All these factors make the market less than appealing to venture capital, a reality often glossed over in many of the "rara" pieces coming from U.S. news outlets.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To be more persuasive, follow the phrase with a clear explanation of why it is not appealing. For instance, "The proposal had a less than appealing cost structure, ultimately deterring investors".

Common error

While "a less than appealing" is acceptable, avoid using it excessively in formal writing. Opt for more precise and descriptive language to convey the same meaning with greater impact and clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a less than appealing" functions as a qualifier, specifically an adjectival phrase, used to describe a noun. It indicates that something is not very attractive or desirable. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a less than appealing" is a grammatically correct adjectival phrase used to express a mild form of disapproval or to describe something as not very attractive. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. While not extremely common, it appears in various contexts, particularly in news and media. It's best used when a subtle way to indicate something's drawbacks is needed, avoiding overly harsh criticism. To increase your clarity, remember to follow this phrase with a clear explanation of why is not appealing to the audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

rather unappealing

Emphasizes the degree to which something lacks appeal.

not very attractive

A more direct way of stating that something lacks visual appeal.

somewhat unattractive

This alternative focuses on the physical appearance rather than the overall appeal.

not particularly inviting

This phrase centers on the lack of attractiveness in terms of creating a welcoming feeling.

not especially tempting

Highlights the absence of temptation or enticement.

less desirable

Focuses on a lack of desirability rather than specific appeal.

fails to entice

Focuses on the failure to attract or allure.

unpleasant to consider

Shifts the focus to the unpleasantness of thinking about something.

leaves much to be desired

Emphasizes the shortcomings and deficiencies in appeal.

not favorably regarded

Focuses on a lack of positive opinion or appreciation.

FAQs

How can I use "a less than appealing" in a sentence?

You can use "a less than appealing" to describe something that is unattractive or undesirable. For example, "The prospect of another lockdown was "a less than appealing" one."

What are some alternatives to "a less than appealing"?

Alternatives include "somewhat unattractive", "not particularly inviting", or "rather unappealing", depending on the context.

Is "a less than appealing" formal or informal?

"A less than appealing" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, though more precise language may be preferred in formal writing.

What's the difference between "a less than appealing" and "unappealing"?

"A less than appealing" softens the criticism compared to "unappealing", suggesting a milder form of unattractiveness. "Unappealing" is a more direct and stronger statement.