least preference

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "least preference" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate the option or choice that is the least favored among several alternatives. Example: "When it comes to vacation destinations, I have a least preference for cold climates."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

Diuron exhibited the least preference for sorptive behaviour.

Marine Environmental Research

And this is something that has not been a part of our orthodontic training for all this while and given the least preference.

Seminars in Orthodontics

Ultrasound took the third place in more than 75% of the iterations while UV had the least preference in over 70% of the cases.

Environmental Systems Research

In contrast, PC3 and PC4 exhibited strong and positive loading by one parameter each with an insignificant percentage of variance (i.e., 6.88 and 6.52 %) and were given least preference in regulating groundwater chemistry.

Applied Water Science

The least preference and participation types are competitions and skills-related activities.

BMC Public Health

COs had the least preference for rapid promotion (β = 0.34, P < 0.05).

Human Resources for Health

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

Lu et al. [ 4] recommended 449 out of 1034 SNPs that were found to be the best for the detection of genetic diversity in temperate, subtropical and tropical maize germplasm with least preferences to temperate lines.

BMC Genomics

Dealing first with Model 2, which was ranked highest in terms of both preference and acceptability by the largest proportion of people, three quarters (n = 6 of 8) of those who gave this model a low preference score (i.e third preference or least preferred in the afternoon session) said that they would be willing to accept it.

Life Sciences, Society and Policy

Preference for least preferred wetlands increased with respondents' familiarity with wetlands.

Landscape and Urban Planning

The three single presentation formats were the least preferred with mean preference scores of 0.10 for the augmented bar chart, 0.07 for the flow diagram, and 0.04 for the augmented icon display.

BMC Medical Informatics and Decision Making

The qualitative process also provided a clear understanding of the likely order of preferences (most to least preferred) for the various attributes levels.

BMC Health Services Research

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "least preference", clearly define the options being compared to avoid ambiguity. For example, specify "least preference among these three candidates".

Common error

Avoid using "less preference" as it's grammatically incorrect. "Least" should be used when comparing three or more options, while "less" is for two. For example, use "least preference among vanilla, chocolate and strawberry" not "less preference".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "least preference" functions as a noun phrase that designates the option or thing that is liked less or given the lowest priority when compared to others. Ludwig AI validates that it's grammatically correct and it's usage is documented in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

60%

News & Media

20%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "least preference" is a grammatically sound and infrequently utilized phrase, used to denote the option or choice that is least favored among several. According to Ludwig AI, it’s suitable for use in written English, particularly in formal and scientific contexts. While alternatives such as "lowest preference" or "minimum preference" exist, "least preference" is direct and clear. It is essential to use "least" when comparing three or more options and avoid the common error of using "less" instead. To enhance clarity, clearly state the options being compared when using this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Lowest preference

Replaces "least" with "lowest", emphasizing the bottom rank in preference.

Minimum preference

Substitutes "least" with "minimum", highlighting the minimal amount of preference given.

Weakest preference

Uses "weakest" instead of "least", focusing on the feebleness of the preference.

Smallest preference

Employs "smallest" to indicate the reduced degree of liking or choice.

Last choice

Rephrases the concept as being the final option selected or favored.

Bottom preference

Uses "bottom" to explicitly indicate the lowest position in a ranking of preferences.

Marginal preference

Highlights the preference being just barely above indifference.

Negligible preference

Indicates the preference is so small it's practically non-existent.

Limited preference

Expresses the idea that the preference is restricted or constrained.

Disinclination

Conveys a lack of enthusiasm or a slight aversion.

FAQs

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

You can use "least preference" to indicate the option that is the least favored. For example, "Among the available colors, I have a "least preference" for bright orange".

What is a good substitute for "least preference"?

Alternatives to "least preference" include "lowest preference", "minimum preference", or "weakest preference" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say 'less preference' instead of "least preference"?

No, "less preference" is generally considered grammatically incorrect. Use "least preference" when comparing three or more options. Use 'less' when there are only two options.

What does "least preference" mean?

"Least preference" refers to the option that is the least favored or desired among a set of choices. It indicates the lowest degree of liking or inclination toward something.