least desirable

USAGE SUMMARY

"least desirable" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to something that is the least desirable out of a group of items or options. For example, "The least desirable outcome would be for the company to declare bankruptcy."

✓ Grammatically correct

Pastoralism: Research, Policy and Practice

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The livestock shift down the desirability scale (from very desirable to least desirable) as the range conditions deteriorate.

Pastoralism: Research, Policy and Practice

"It's the least desirable option.

The New York Times

No. 1 is the least desirable.

The New Yorker

"They get the least desirable courses and times.

The New York Times

The Cyprus scenario is the least desirable for Turkey.

The New York Times

"it's these areas that are placed in the least desirable locations, energy-wise".

The New York Times

But rain often falls in the least desirable places at the most disadvantageous times.

The New Yorker

Least desirable of all are the Crummleses: they're in show business, the very definition of unacceptable.

The New York Times

A fire sale of assets is the least desirable solution, Mr. Tow apparently believes.

The New York Times

The least desirable padding is made with excelsior, which is nothing more than wood shavings.

The New York Times

Our government regards Tibet as the world's least desirable military base.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "least desirable", ensure it's clear what options are being compared. Providing context helps the reader understand why something is considered the "least desirable".

Common error

Avoid using "least desirable" without specifying the context or comparison group. This can lead to confusion or misinterpretation of what's being referred to.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "least desirable" functions as a superlative adjective phrase, modifying a noun to indicate that it possesses the lowest degree of desirability among a group of options. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically sound and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "least desirable" is a versatile and commonly used superlative adjective phrase that effectively communicates a negative preference or evaluation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely applicable across various contexts. It’s frequently found in News & Media and Scientific domains, highlighting its relevance in both objective reporting and formal analysis. When using "least desirable", ensure you provide sufficient context to clarify what options are being compared and why something is being ranked as the least favored. Considering alternatives like "most unwelcome" or "least favored" can add nuance to your writing. With these insights, you can confidently and effectively incorporate "least desirable" into your written communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

least attractive

Emphasizes the lack of appeal or desirability.

most unappealing

Highlights the lack of attractiveness or interest.

least favored

Emphasizes a lack of preference or liking.

bottom of the list

Indicates the lowest ranking in a set of options.

most unwelcome

Focuses on the reception or acceptance of something, implying it's not wanted.

most disadvantageous

Focuses on the detrimental aspects and unfavorable position.

worst case scenario

Highlights a negative outcome or situation that is the least desirable.

most regrettable

Expresses a sense of sorrow and wishing something hadn't happened.

last resort

Suggests something to be considered only when all other options have failed.

optimum unsuitability

Emphasizes the lack of something to fit the needs of a particular situation

FAQs

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

You can use "least desirable" to describe the option or outcome that is the least preferred among a set of choices. For instance, "Bankruptcy is the "least desirable" outcome for any business".

What are some alternatives to "least desirable"?

Alternatives to "least desirable" include "most unwelcome", "least favored", or "most disadvantageous", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "less desirable" or "least desirable"?

"Less desirable" is used when comparing two options, while "least desirable" is used when comparing three or more. If you have only two choices, use "less desirable"; otherwise, "least desirable" is appropriate.

What makes something the "least desirable"?

The "least desirable" option is subjective and depends on the specific situation. It usually refers to the option that has the most negative consequences, the fewest benefits, or is the furthest from the desired outcome.