least capacity

USAGE SUMMARY

'least capacity' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used in the context of referring to minimum requirements. For example: The car requires a minimum of three passengers to drive due to the least capacity requirements of the state.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

In previous recessions, the poorest countries have suffered a drastic reversal of aid – and they have the least capacity to adapt to such shifts.

The Guardian - Opinion

"We know that people experiencing poverty will be hit first and hardest by the impacts of climate change and have the least capacity to adapt".

The Guardian

Those facing the most extreme risk are the poorest with the fewest resources and the least capacity to cope, despite contributing the least to the crisis.

The New York Times

The nations with the least capacity were predominantly those African countries that lack widespread Internet access and even the electricity to make e-government feasible.

Nature

One of the gloomiest, if unsurprising, realities revealed in the study is that farmers struggling to feed themselves have the least capacity to change.

The New York Times

This method identifies the network cut with least capacity, taking into account the relative sizes of the sub-networks either side of the cut.

Transportation Research Part B: Methodological

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

As expected, acid-base titration revealed that unmodified PLL showed the least buffering capacity, whereas introducing imidazole groups increased the buffering capacity between lysosomal (pH 5) and cytoplasmic (pH 7.2) pH.

Biomacromolecules

The second is to celebrate the liberating - for certain sectors of society at least - capacity of popular culture and the exciting flux of Latin American identity in the globalised marketplace.

The Guardian - Books

For Rwandans, existence meant forgiveness, or, at least, a capacity to endure the unforgivable; there was no choice.

The New Yorker

We need to believe we have autonomy – or at least the capacity for autonomy – even if all the evidence points towards our helplessness.

The Guardian - Tech

In order to achieve anything near human equivalence, robots will need, at the least, the capacity to perform ten trillion calculations per second.

Harvard University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing limitations in resources or abilities, use "least capacity" to clearly indicate the minimum level of functionality or availability. For instance, specify "the system with the least capacity" to highlight the weakest link in a network.

Common error

Avoid using "least capacity" when you mean a complete absence of ability. "Least capacity" indicates a minimal level of capability, whereas "lack of capacity" signifies none at all. Use the correct phrase to accurately convey the intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "least capacity" functions primarily as a descriptor, modifying a noun to indicate the minimum amount of something (e.g., resources, ability). Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

48%

News & Media

36%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "least capacity" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression, particularly in scientific, news, and formal business contexts. As Ludwig AI highlights, it's used to describe a minimum level of ability or resources, not a complete absence thereof. When writing, ensure you're using it correctly to differentiate between a minimal capability and a complete lack of capability. When exploring alternatives, consider "minimum capability" or "lowest competence" to convey similar meanings, but remember to align your choice with the specific nuances of your context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lowest competence

Emphasizes the lack of proficiency or skill in a particular area.

limited competence

Highlights restrictions in one's level of skill or expertise.

minimum capability

Focuses on the minimum level of ability required for a specific task or function.

minimal aptitude

Refers to a very small amount of natural talent or inclination.

weakest ability

Stresses the inferior quality of one's skill or power.

smallest potential

Highlights the limited scope for development or achievement.

poorest skill

Highlights deficiency in one's skill to perform a task.

reduced capability

Indicates a decrease in the ability to perform a task or function.

scarcest resources

Emphasizes the lack of available materials or support.

inadequate potential

Highlights potential to be insufficient or not good enough.

FAQs

How can I use "least capacity" in a sentence?

You can use "least capacity" to describe a minimal amount of resources or ability. For example, "The team with the "least capacity" will need additional support."

What's a good alternative to "least capacity"?

Alternatives to "least capacity" include "minimum capability", "lowest competence", or "scarcest resources", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "the least capacity"?

Yes, it is correct to use the article "the" before "least capacity" when you are referring to a specific instance or item with the minimal capacity. For example, "the server with the "least capacity"."

How does "least capacity" differ from "lack of capacity"?

"Least capacity" implies that there is some ability or resources, albeit minimal. "Lack of capacity", on the other hand, indicates that there is absolutely no ability or resources available. Therefore "lack of capacity" is a stronger statement.