least popular

USAGE SUMMARY

"least popular" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when talking about something or someone that has been ranked from most to least popular. For example: "This flavor of ice cream was the least popular of the bunch."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The least popular is the Tibetan mastiff.

The New York Times

These are, at least, popular ideas.

The Economist

Now he is the least popular.

The New Yorker

Cable and satellite distributors could drop the least popular channels.

The Economist

The least popular policy, the poll tax, was scrapped.

Independent

How about the least popular major league position for Jews?

The New York Times - Books

Among voters, this is the least popular option.

The Economist

The tribunal, deeply flawed, was at least popular.

The Economist

But Mr Cabral is now Brazil's least popular governor.

The Economist

So far, vouchers have been the least popular option.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Hook, Line and Sinker (1969), one of Lewis's least-popular efforts, was Marshall's final film.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "least popular", ensure you have a clear reference group against which popularity is being measured. For example, "This flavor was the "least popular" among our customer base".

Common error

Avoid using "least popular" without specifying the context or population. For instance, saying "This movie is "least popular"" is vague. Instead, specify: "This movie is the "least popular" in the summer blockbuster season".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "least popular" functions as a descriptive adjective modifying a noun. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in identifying the item with the lowest level of favor or demand within a given set.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Science

16%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Wiki

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "least popular" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase for indicating the item with the lowest level of favor within a set. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's appropriate for various contexts, including news, science, and general discussions. To ensure clarity, specify the context in which popularity is being assessed. Consider alternatives like "most disliked" or "unpopular" for stylistic variation. The phrase sees frequent use in news and media, marking its relevance in contemporary communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unpopular

A more direct adjective conveying the lack of popularity.

most disliked

Replaces "least popular" with a more negative connotation focusing on active dislike.

least favored

Substitutes "popular" with "favored", indicating a lack of preference.

not well-liked

Uses a descriptive phrase to convey the meaning of "least popular".

least wanted

Indicates a lack of desire or preference.

lowest-rated

Focuses on a numerical or qualitative rating aspect of popularity.

not a favorite

An informal and personal way of expressing lack of popularity.

least in demand

Shifts the focus to demand rather than general liking.

of lowest preference

A more formal way to indicate something isn't preferred.

rejected by many

Emphasizes the act of rejection as opposed to passive lack of popularity.

FAQs

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

You can use "least popular" to describe something that is the least favored among a group. For example, "Among the new product features, this one was the "least popular"".

What are some alternatives to saying "least popular"?

Alternatives to "least popular" include "most disliked", "least favored", or simply "unpopular".

Is it correct to say "the most un-popular" instead of "least popular"?

While "the most un-popular" isn't grammatically incorrect, it's less common and often sounds awkward. "Least popular" is generally the preferred phrasing.

What's the difference between "least popular" and "less popular"?

"Least popular" indicates the item with the absolute lowest level of popularity within a group. "Less popular" simply means that an item has lower popularity than another, but not necessarily the lowest. It implies a comparison between two or more options, while "least popular" specifies the bottom of the ranking.