least positive

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "least positive" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the lowest level of positivity in a given context, such as feedback, attitudes, or outcomes. Example: "Among all the reviews, his was the least positive, highlighting several concerns about the product."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In particular, ARG at positions 4 and 9 have the least positive charge (around +0.5e), whereas the rest have much higher positive charge (over +0.8e).

Journal of Cheminformatics

Global trends are at least positive.

The Guardian

Of 46 countries polled recently, the US had the least positive view on foreign trade and one of the least positive on foreign companies.

The Guardian - Opinion

"Integration," as challenging and time-consuming as it is, is at least positive and forward-looking.

The New York Times

Double layer capacitance measurements revealed that hydrogen underpotential deposition exists at the least positive potentials.

Electrochimica Acta

Campbell was the least positive about the prospect of Lib-Labbery, pointing out that partisan emotions "run very deep indeed".

The Guardian

But the 2016 estimate is at least positive, which makes a change.

Independent

Overall growth, although below Indonesia's long-term average, is at least positive, and rising.

The Economist

In some respects this was the least positive of the major periods of Australian history.

Encyclopedia Britannica

A combination of jobs standstill and lack of momentum in pay therefore makes this the least positive set of UK labour market figures for some considerable time".

The Guardian - Business

Sweden's inflation rate has turned negative, at -0.2%; the euro zone's is at least positive, at 0.5%.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context and intended meaning. If you want to emphasize negativity, "most negative" might be a better choice. If you want to soften the impact, consider "least favorable".

Common error

Avoid using "least positive" when "most negative" is more appropriate. "Least positive" implies a comparison within a set of positive attributes, while "most negative" directly states the highest degree of negativity. For example, if all options are bad, "most negative" is accurate. If all options are good, but some are less good than others, then use "least positive".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "least positive" functions as a superlative adjective phrase. It is used to indicate the minimum degree of positivity among a group of entities. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

39%

News & Media

35%

Encyclopedias

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

3%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "least positive" functions as a superlative adjective phrase used to denote the minimum degree of positivity among a set of options. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used across diverse contexts such as science and news media. Alternatives include "most negative" or "least favorable" depending on the desired emphasis. When using "least positive", ensure it appropriately reflects the intention of comparing degrees of positivity rather than directly stating negativity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

least favorable

Substitutes "positive" with "favorable", emphasizing a lack of approval or support.

most negative

Replaces "positive" with its direct opposite, shifting the focus to the negative aspect.

barely positive

Indicates a very slight or minimal degree of positivity.

minimally positive

Uses an adverb to underscore the slight degree of positivity.

smallest positive

Highlights the minimal extent of positivity, focusing on magnitude.

scarcely positive

Indicates that the positivity is barely present or noticeable.

hardly positive

Similar to scarcely positive, suggesting a near absence of positivity.

weakest positive

Emphasizes the frailty or lack of strength in the positive aspect.

negligibly positive

Suggests that the positive aspect is so small it can be ignored.

least optimistic

Shifts the focus to a lack of optimism rather than a general lack of positivity.

FAQs

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

Use "least positive" to compare items that all have positive aspects but differ in degree. For instance, "Among the proposed solutions, this one had the "least positive" impact on the environment".

What are some alternatives to "least positive"?

Depending on the context, you could use "least favorable", "most negative", or "weakest positive" to convey a similar meaning.

Is "least positive" the same as "most negative"?

No, "least positive" and "most negative" are not always interchangeable. "Least positive" implies a comparison among items that all have positive aspects, while "most negative" indicates the highest degree of negativity, even if all items are negative.

When should I use "least positive" instead of "less positive"?

Use "least positive" when you are identifying a single item that has the smallest degree of positivity compared to all others in a group. Use "less positive" when comparing only two items or indicating a general trend.