became less secure

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "became less secure" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation or condition that has deteriorated in terms of safety or stability over time. Example: "After the recent changes in policy, the system became less secure, leading to increased vulnerabilities."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

But that world gradually became less secure.

The Guardian

"In the P.C. era, the world only became less secure," Mr. Hering of Lookout said.

The New York Times - Tech

While Stoke won promotion as champions the following season, 1992-93, Ware's starting place became less secure.

Independent

Real wages fell between 2010 and 2014, underemployment – where people want to work more hours than they are offered – rose, and jobs became less secure with the rise of self-employment and zero-hours contracts.

Independent

And every year another major problem further squeezes emergency feeding organizations, a movement that began in the mid-1970s as a temporary solution to hunger and then grew as wages in many industries stagnated and employment became less secure.

The New York Times

Seamus Searson, general secretary of the Scottish Secondary Teachers Association (SSTA), said that if youngsters did not come forward for examinations, teachers' jobs became less secure.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

"The problem is that we all fundamentally become less secure".

The New York Times

As the tale unfurls, though, the connection between form and meaning becomes less secure.

The Guardian

Firewalls also become less secure over time, a phenomenon observed by computer consultant Dan Farmer.

MIT Technology Review

This more favorable view of the economy evolved amid a sense that jobs had become less secure.

The New York Times

As the final term of the Rehnquist era drew to a close, the legacy of states' rights had become less secure.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing abstract concepts like economies or political climates, use "became less secure" to convey a sense of instability or increased risk.

Common error

Avoid using "became less secure" in casual conversations or informal writing, as it can sound overly formal or dramatic. Opt for simpler alternatives like "got riskier" or "felt unsafe".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "became less secure" functions as a predicate within a sentence, typically describing how a subject's state of security has diminished over time. Ludwig AI confirms its usability.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "became less secure" is a versatile expression used to describe a decline in safety, stability, or protection. As Ludwig AI points out, it's grammatically correct and widely applicable, particularly in formal contexts like news reports, scientific articles, and encyclopedic entries. Its prevalence in authoritative sources such as The New York Times, The Guardian, and The Economist underscores its credibility. While alternatives like "grew more vulnerable" or "deteriorated in security" exist, "became less secure" offers a straightforward way to convey a state of diminishing security, making it a valuable tool for clear and effective communication. It is advised to use the phrase in formal contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

grew more vulnerable

Indicates an increase in susceptibility to harm or attack.

became more unstable

Suggests a loss of equilibrium or dependability.

deteriorated in security

Highlights a decline in protective measures or conditions.

declined in safety

Emphasizes a reduction in the level of protection from danger.

weakened in its defenses

Focuses on the reduction of defensive capabilities.

saw its security erode

Implies a gradual and detrimental loss of security.

security was compromised

Highlights that system security was breached.

turned more precarious

Describes a shift towards a more uncertain or dangerous state.

became increasingly exposed

Indicates a greater susceptibility to threats or dangers.

experienced a lapse in security

Points to a temporary failure or decline in security measures.

FAQs

How can I use "became less secure" in a sentence?

You can use "became less secure" to describe situations where something's safety or stability has declined, like "After the policy changes, the network "became less secure"".

What are some alternatives to "became less secure"?

Some alternatives include "grew more vulnerable", "became more unstable", or "deteriorated in security", depending on the specific context.

Is "became less secure" appropriate for formal writing?

Yes, "became less secure" is suitable for formal writing, especially when discussing serious topics like cybersecurity, economics, or international relations. Its formality makes it fitting for professional and academic contexts.

What's the difference between "became less secure" and "was compromised"?

"Became less secure" describes a gradual decline in security or stability, while "was compromised" indicates a specific instance where security was breached or violated. For instance, a system "became less secure" due to outdated software, but it "was compromised" when a hacker exploited a vulnerability.