least favored

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "least favored" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something or someone that is not preferred or is the least liked among a group. Example: "In the survey, chocolate was the most favored flavor, while vanilla was the least favored."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

41 human-written examples

The respondents was asked to arrange the cards in order from rank 1 to rank 10 rank 1 being the most favored while rank 10 least favored based on their preference and how they appreciate the visual appeal of the cards presented.

Journal of Global Entrepreneurship Research

"It was the sleepiest, most remote, least favored of the U.S.S.R.'s republics".

The New Yorker

Release of natural enemies was the overwhelming first choice among control options and application of chemical insecticides was least favored.

Biological Control

VIDEO: Divisions among Iowa's social conservatives are providing an opportunity for their least favored candidate, Mitt Romney.

The New York Times

The low fares are good only on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, the days least favored by travelers, are non-refundable and must be purchased seven days in advance.

The New York Times

There is a parallel with presidential campaigns in the 19th and early 20th centuries, when one of the most common ways to attack a candidate was to suggest that he was partly black, or at least favored racial intermarriage.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

19 human-written examples

(VinTank is the wine industry's leading social media monitoring platform, and Delectable is a leading social wine app that offers commerce and recommendation capabilities). The outlook, from here at least, favors the young and wired.

Forbes

King isn't saying for sure, but he's expected to caucus with — or at least favor — Democrats.

The New Yorker

However, we cannot exclude the possibility that PrPC may function as a seed to allow or, at least, favor hPrP90-231 aggregation.

Cell Death and Disease

At the very least, favor powders and tablets over gels and liquids, and keep them dry and free of excess moisture prior to use.

WikiHow

That is at least the favored, historical story line of the Raiders' 27-10 victory.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "least favored", ensure the context clearly defines the group or set from which the item or person is being compared. For instance, "Among the control options, application of chemical insecticides was the "least favored".

Common error

Avoid using "least favored" without specifying the comparison group. Saying "This is the "least favored"" is vague. Instead, clarify: "This is the "least favored" option among the three choices."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "least favored" functions as an adjective phrase typically used to modify a noun, indicating that the noun is the least preferred or liked among a group. Ludwig examples show it describing options, sectors, and candidates.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

34%

News & Media

54%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Academia

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "least favored" is a common adjective phrase used to describe something that is the least preferred or liked among a group. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage. It is frequently found in scientific and news contexts, indicating a neutral register. When using "least favored", ensure that the comparison group is clearly defined. Alternatives include "least preferred", "least popular", and "least desired", each offering slightly different nuances. Understanding these nuances allows for more precise and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

least preferred

Replaces "favored" with "preferred", emphasizing a choice or selection process.

least popular

Focuses on the lack of widespread acceptance or liking.

least desired

Highlights the absence of wanting or wishing for something.

lowest ranked

Indicates a position at the bottom of a list based on preference or value.

least well-liked

Emphasizes a lack of positive feelings or fondness.

bottom of the list

An idiomatic expression indicating the lowest priority or preference.

least supported

Focuses on a lack of backing or endorsement.

least endorsed

Similar to "least supported", but emphasizes formal approval or agreement.

least appreciated

Highlights a lack of recognition or gratitude.

at the bottom of the pile

An idiomatic expression indicating a position of low importance or priority.

FAQs

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

Use "least favored" to describe something that is the least preferred or liked among a group. For example, "Among the proposed solutions, option C was the "least favored" by the committee."

What are some alternatives to "least favored"?

You can use alternatives such as "least preferred", "least popular", or "least desired" depending on the context.

Is "least favored" the same as "most disliked"?

While similar, "least favored" implies a lack of preference or support, whereas "most disliked" suggests a stronger negative feeling. "Least favored" is often more neutral. You can also use "least well-liked".

Which is correct, "least favored" or "less favored"?

"Least favored" indicates the absolute lowest preference, while "less favored" suggests it is simply lower than another option but not necessarily the lowest. Consider the context when choosing between "less favored" and "least favored".