are less fortunate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are less fortunate" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to individuals or groups who are in a disadvantaged or poorer situation compared to others. Example: "We should always lend a helping hand to those who are less fortunate in our community."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Iraqis are less fortunate.

The Economist

Many are less fortunate.

The Guardian

The remaining kidnap victims are less fortunate.

The Economist

"People are less fortunate there," he said.

The New York Times - Sports

"It involves children who are less fortunate".

The New York Times - Travel

Other houses are less fortunate in their friends.

The Economist

The other two anecdotes of the evening are less fortunate.

The New York Times

"I hope he reaches out to the people that are less fortunate".

The New York Times

I did it to help others and help raise funds for people who are less fortunate".

The Guardian - Sport

Across the country, other Yemenis who need medical attention are less fortunate.

The Guardian

"And how we deal with people who are less fortunate than we are".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "are less fortunate" to promote empathy and encourage action to support those in need.

Common error

Avoid using "are less fortunate" without providing context or specifics. Vague statements can be misinterpreted and lack impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are less fortunate" functions as a descriptive adjective phrase, typically modifying a noun or pronoun. As Ludwig AI confirms, it correctly indicates that individuals or groups experience a state of disadvantage relative to others. For example, "People are less fortunate there." emphasizes a comparison of circumstances.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Formal & Business

12%

Science

6%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "are less fortunate" is a widely used and grammatically sound way to describe individuals or groups facing disadvantage. As noted by Ludwig AI, it serves to express empathy and awareness of social inequalities. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, it maintains a neutral register suitable for various formal and informal communications. For alternative phrasing, consider options such as "are more disadvantaged" or "struggle more" for specific emphasis. When using the phrase, ensure to provide context to avoid overgeneralization.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are more disadvantaged

Replaces "fortunate" with "disadvantaged", emphasizing the lack of advantages.

are in greater need

Directly states that they require more assistance.

are more deprived

Focuses on the lack of essential resources and opportunities.

are worse off

A more general way of saying they are in a less desirable situation.

face greater hardship

Shifts the focus to the difficulties and suffering experienced.

suffer greater adversity

Highlights the challenges and obstacles they face.

live in poverty

Highlights the economic aspect of being less fortunate.

have a harder time

Indicates increased difficulty in navigating life's challenges.

struggle more

Emphasizes the effort and difficulty required to cope with their circumstances.

have fewer opportunities

Points out the limited access to chances for improvement and success.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "are less fortunate" to sound more empathetic?

Consider using phrases like "are more disadvantaged", "are in greater need", or "struggle more" to convey a deeper understanding of their situation.

Is it appropriate to use "are less fortunate" in formal writing?

Yes, "are less fortunate" is generally appropriate, but in very formal contexts, you might opt for more precise language that specifies the nature of their disadvantage, such as "have fewer opportunities" or "live in poverty".

What's the difference between "are less fortunate" and "are unfortunate"?

"Are less fortunate" implies a comparison to others who are more privileged, while "are unfortunate" simply describes a state of bad luck or hardship. The former invites consideration of inequality.

When should I use "are less privileged" instead of "are less fortunate"?

"Are less privileged" is more suitable when discussing systemic inequalities and advantages conferred by social status, while "are less fortunate" is a more general term that can apply to various types of disadvantage.