least favoured

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "least favoured" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a person or thing that is not preferred or liked compared to others. For example, "Of the three candidates for the position, she was the least favoured by the employer."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

50 human-written examples

The least favoured one was using assistive technology.

Interacting with Computers

Assistive technology remains the least favoured and the slowest.

Interacting with Computers

And if that means that the establishment's least favoured candidate wins, then so be it.

Independent

I want 3rd place Conservatives in Islington to confidently vote Conservative AND help to keep out their least favoured option.

The Guardian

The editor's introduction called him "the least favoured by circumstances, and the most destitute of friends, of any [poet] that ever existed".

The New Yorker

The least favoured places, by no means all in the north, have done worst in recession; but they also gained least from Labour's years of prosperity.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

10 human-written examples

English, which is employed wonderfully well here, was Hay's least-favoured language, probably for political reasons.

The Guardian - Books

Heathrow's least-favoured option now – but it already owns lots of the land so may be easier as far as planning permission goes, and is quickest and cheapest.

The Guardian

A potential last-16 clash with Serena Williams looms after that and Stosur is feeling better on her least-favoured surface than ever.

The Guardian - Sport

Samantha Stosur has made an ideal start to her grass-court campaign but she admits keeping it going on her least-favoured surface is the real challenge.

The Guardian - Sport

Mr Mann said he would probably use his vote in later rounds of voting in the hope of blocking his least-favoured contenders - including Sir George, Mrs Beckett and Miss Widdecombe - from reaching the Speaker's chair.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "least favoured", ensure the context clearly identifies the group or criteria against which the comparison is being made. This provides clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "least favoured" without explicitly stating what is being compared. For instance, instead of saying "This is the least favoured option", specify "This is the "least favoured" option among the proposed solutions".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "least favoured" functions as a compound adjective modifying a noun. It indicates the item or entity that receives the lowest preference or positive regard within a specified set. Ludwig confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "least favoured" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe something that is the least preferred or liked compared to others. As indicated by Ludwig, this phrase is usable in various contexts, with a slightly higher frequency in News & Media and Science, and a neutral register making it appropriate for both formal and informal writing. When using "least favoured", be specific about the scope of comparison to ensure clarity and avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

least preferred

Replaces "favoured" with "preferred", emphasizing choice over general benefit.

least popular

Focuses on the lack of popularity rather than inherent preference.

least liked

Highlights a lack of positive sentiment or enjoyment.

most disfavored

Uses a more formal tone to convey strong disapproval or disadvantage.

lowest ranked

Suggests a position at the bottom of a hierarchy or scale.

underdog

Implies a disadvantage in a competition or situation.

least fortunate

Emphasizes a lack of positive circumstances or luck.

most disadvantaged

Highlights a lack of advantages or opportunities.

left behind

Suggests exclusion or being overlooked in progress or development.

marginalized

Indicates being pushed to the edge of society or a group.

FAQs

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

Use "least favoured" to indicate the option, person, or thing that is the least preferred or liked among a group. For example, "Assistive technology remains the "least favoured" and the slowest".

What is a good alternative to "least favoured"?

Alternatives include "least preferred", "least popular", or "most disfavored", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "least favored" or "least favoured" correct?

"Least favoured" is the British English spelling, while "least favored" is the American English spelling. Both are correct, but consistency within your writing is key.

What does "least favoured nation" status mean?

"Least favoured nation" status refers to a country that is granted the best trade terms by another country, ensuring it is not discriminated against compared to other nations.