is less virtuous

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is less virtuous" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when comparing the moral quality or ethical standards of two or more subjects, indicating that one is not as virtuous as the other. Example: "While some may argue that wealth can lead to greater influence, it is often true that the pursuit of power is less virtuous than the pursuit of knowledge."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

The reality is less virtuous.

The Economist

Plutarch maintains that the pervasion of emotion by reason should be thorough, which is why he claims that the temperate person is less virtuous than the practically wise one (phronimos), who does the good without wavering (De virtute morali 445C-D; cf. Nicomachean Ethics 1151b23 1152a3), as a temperate person might.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

But there are less virtuous reasons why the hospitals offered such a generous-sounding deal.

The Economist

And three in four Americans believe that today's youth are less virtuous and industrious than their elders, a 2009 survey by the Pew Research Center found.

The New York Times

But the fear was moral hazard – making it too easy for Greece to walk away from its profligacy would encourage others to be less virtuous.

The Guardian - Opinion

Where Mr. McGowan differs from proponents of religious philanthropy like Arthur C. Brooks, the Syracuse University social scientist and author of "Who Really Cares," is in their contention that atheists give less because they are less virtuous or less benevolent in general.

The New York Times

Although she did not use terms like "socially-constructed gender roles," Wollstonecraft denied that women are doomed by nature to be less virtuous than men (Wollstonecraft, A Vindication of the Rights of Women, p. 105).

SEP

"That is life — the gray area where no one person is less or more virtuous than the other".

The New Yorker

Though men occupy 40 percent of the Flywheel bikes, it seems bridegrooms are less keen on virtuous last-night-of-freedom rites: The recently opened Chicago branch will host the company's first bachelor party in November.

The New York Times

He observes that being less than fully virtuous gives agents reasons to act that they otherwise wouldn't have had and that therefore would not motivate a fully virtuous agent.

SEP

No one feels too sorry for these sea-green incorruptibles just as no one suggests that they will be any less virtuous for their pay cuts.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing entities using "is less virtuous", ensure the context clearly defines the standard of virtue against which they are being measured. A vague comparison can weaken your argument.

Common error

Avoid using "is less virtuous" to make sweeping generalizations about groups or individuals. Moral character is complex, and this phrase can be misused to perpetuate harmful stereotypes.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is less virtuous" functions as a comparative adjective phrase. It predicates a diminished level of moral excellence or ethical soundness in a subject when compared to another, or to a standard. As noted by Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "is less virtuous" is a grammatically correct and commonly used comparative adjective phrase, used to denote a diminished level of moral standing. According to Ludwig, the phrase appears across various contexts, including news, science, and encyclopedias, indicating a neutral to formal register. When using this phrase, it's essential to consider the context and avoid oversimplifying moral judgments. While variations like "/s/is+morally+inferior" or "/s/is+ethically+weaker" exist, the core meaning remains focused on comparing levels of virtue. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is readily usable in written English when intending to compare the moral standing of different subjects.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is not as virtuous

A more direct comparison of virtue levels.

is morally inferior

Focuses directly on moral inferiority rather than a relative lack of virtue.

possesses fewer virtues

Highlights the deficit in virtuous qualities explicitly.

is ethically weaker

Emphasizes a weaker ethical foundation.

exhibits reduced virtue

Focuses on the manifestation of virtue being diminished.

is lacking in virtue

Highlights the absence of virtue to some degree.

demonstrates less integrity

Shifts the focus to integrity as a component of virtue.

is ethically compromised

Suggests a potential breach or weakening of ethical standards.

falls short of virtue

Implies a failure to meet a standard of virtue.

is morally deficient

Emphasizes a deficit in moral character.

FAQs

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

You can use "is less virtuous" to compare the moral qualities of two subjects. For example, "The character in the novel who sought personal gain at the expense of others /s/is+less+virtuous than the one who prioritized the community's well-being."

What's a more formal way to say "is less virtuous"?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "/s/is+morally+inferior" or "exhibits reduced virtue."

Are there synonyms for "is less virtuous" that emphasize a lack of integrity?

Yes, alternatives like "/s/is+ethically+weaker" or "/s/is+ethically+compromised" can highlight a deficit in ethical integrity.

How does "is less virtuous" differ from "is not virtuous"?

"Is less virtuous" implies a comparison on a spectrum of virtue, while "is not virtuous" suggests a complete absence of virtue. One is relative, the other is absolute.