is less desirable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is less desirable" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to compare two or more things - when one option is preferable to the other(s), and you want to state which one is not as preferable. For example: "Studying abroad for a semester is more desirable than a summer abroad, as the former option allows for a more immersive experience."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

Polyester, for example, is less desirable than smooth knit.

The New York Times - Magazine

But the suspicion of vision is less desirable.

The Economist

Won't that mean my house is less desirable to potential buyers?

The Guardian

But that feature is less desirable during times of everyday stress.

The New York Times

When most people look at older bathrooms, "'50s is less desirable than '20s and '30s," she said.

The New York Times

The recycling of PET bottles is greatly complicated when a batch is contaminated by bottles made with polyvinyl chloride, or PVC -- or vice versa, but recycled PVC is less desirable than recycled PET.

The New York Times - Tech

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

"Our players are less desirable for US teams," Bezbatchenko says.

The Guardian - Sport

Few qualities could be less desirable in an account intended to provide a steady retirement income.

The New York Times

In every other way, however, the Cavendish was less desirable than the Gros Michel.

The New Yorker

Yet what could be less desirable if you already live there?

The Guardian

Additionally, with more students applying to college, the remaining pool of job applicants may be less desirable to employers.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is less desirable", ensure you clearly state what it is being compared to. This provides context and avoids ambiguity. For example, instead of saying "This option is less desirable", specify "This option is less desirable than the alternative due to the higher cost".

Common error

A common mistake is using "is less desirable" without specifying what it is less desirable than. This can leave the reader confused. Always provide a clear comparison to maintain clarity and effectiveness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is less desirable" functions as a comparative adjective phrase. It indicates that something has a lower degree of desirability compared to something else. As confirmed by Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically sound and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

42%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is less desirable" serves as a common and grammatically sound tool for comparative assessment, indicating that something is not as preferable as another option. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and widespread use. Predominantly found in news, scientific, and encyclopedic contexts, this phrase maintains a neutral to formal register and helps guide decision-making by highlighting relative disadvantages. To maximize clarity, remember to specify the point of comparison whenever employing "is less desirable" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is not as desirable

Uses a more explicit comparison, highlighting that the subject does not reach the level of desirability of something else.

is less preferable

Directly states a lower level of preference, often implying a conscious choice.

is less appealing

Focuses on attractiveness, suggesting a reduced charm or allure.

is less attractive

Similar to "is less appealing", but emphasizes aesthetic or sensory appeal.

is not ideal

Indicates a deviation from a perfect or optimal state.

is suboptimal

A more formal way of saying "is not ideal", commonly used in technical or academic contexts.

is inferior

Implies a lower quality or status compared to something else.

is second-rate

Suggests a lower class or grade, often with negative connotations.

is unwanted

Emphasizes the lack of desire or acceptance.

is unwelcome

Focuses on the lack of a positive reception or acceptance.

FAQs

How can I use "is less desirable" in a sentence?

Use "is less desirable" to indicate that something is not as preferable or advantageous as something else. For instance, "Choosing the cheaper material is less desirable because it compromises durability."

What are some alternatives to "is less desirable"?

You can use alternatives like "is not as desirable", "is less preferable", or "is suboptimal" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "is less desirable" in writing?

It's appropriate when you want to express that one option or choice is not as good or favored as another, often due to specific drawbacks or disadvantages. Use it in scenarios where you're weighing pros and cons.

What's the difference between "is less desirable" and "is undesirable"?

"Is less desirable" implies a comparison and a degree of preference, while "is undesirable" suggests something is unwanted or objectionable without necessarily comparing it to something else. "Is undesirable" is a stronger, more negative term.