least preferential

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "least preferential" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you are discussing options or choices that are the least favored or least preferred among a set of alternatives. Example: "In our analysis of the various marketing strategies, the least preferential option was the one that yielded the lowest return on investment."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

However, for Australia at least, preferential voting systems will see the majority of votes ultimately returning to the parties in the centre, making the strategy sustainable.

The Guardian - Opinion

Notably, this response appears to be relatively specific, or at least preferential, for TLR7, given that Ly6Clow monocytes responded very poorly to LPS stimulation both in vitro and in vivo, which is in contrast to Ly6C+ monocytes and consistent with data in humans (Cros et al., 2010).

Cell

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Of these, Table 1 lists the nine genes showing at least 90% preferential expression of one allele in at least one NSC line.

Plosone

We also cite a recent study that at least demonstrates preferential recombination outside regions encoding relatively small domains [ 44]. 6.

Biology Direct

Overall, these results suggest that permeating ions occupy at least two preferential positions in this region of the pore that is thought to be the selectivity filter of these channels.

EMBO Journal

The US gets to avoid, or at least defer, explicit preferential treatment for the Kurds, since protecting US forces is unambiguously a US necessity.

The Guardian

For several years, Mr Chávez has sold Cuba oil on preferential terms at least 53,000 barrels per day (b/d) last year, or around a quarter of the island's total consumption.

The Economist

Thus, KW-6002 showed the best relative affinity for A2AR-D2R heterofers of all coumpounds, which can at least partially explain its preferential postsynaptic profile.

Plosone

The antiarrhythmic effects are due, at least in part, to preferential blockade of the components of the delayed rectifying potassium current, I Kr), and I(Ks) and to increased effective refractory period of Purkinje fibers [ 190, 191].

BioMed Research International

Fourteen healthy subjects underwent 30 min of steady state cycling exercise under 3 different conditions separated by at least 7-days: placebo; beta1-preferential antagonist (10 mg bisprolol); and non-preferential beta1 and beta2- antagonist (80 mg nadolol).

Brain, Behavior, and Immunity

Considering the strong bias of MLV integrations around promoter regions [23] it is possible to speculate that the observed enrichment of non-CIS retroviral insertions near miRNAs may be at least partially due to the preferential location of miRNAs around promoter regions.

Plosone

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To avoid the wordiness of "least preferential", consider using simpler alternatives like "lowest priority" or "least favored" if they fit the context without loss of meaning.

Common error

Avoid using "least preferential" when a stronger negative term like "unacceptable" or "detrimental" is more appropriate. "Least preferential" implies a ranking, not necessarily a rejection.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "least preferential" functions as an adjective modifier, specifically used to describe something that is the least favored or preferred among a set of options. As Ludwig AI's analysis indicates, the phrase is grammatically correct and understandable in English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

66%

News & Media

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "least preferential" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe something that is the least favored among a set of options. Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is usable in written English, and while it is not very common, it appears in both scientific and news contexts. When writing, consider whether a simpler alternative like "least favored" or "lowest priority" might be more appropriate, particularly in informal settings. Ensure clarity by explicitly establishing the set of options being compared when using the phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

least favored

Focuses on the aspect of being liked or supported the least.

least desired

Emphasizes the lack of wanting or wishing for something.

lowest priority

Highlights the aspect of importance or urgency.

least advantageous

Focuses on the lack of benefit or advantage.

least popular

Emphasizes the lack of widespread appeal or support.

least inclined

Highlights a lack of willingness or tendency.

weakest preference

Highlights the strength of one's liking or favour for something.

disfavored

Expresses a state of being regarded with disapproval or dislike.

underprivileged

Emphasizes the lack of advantages or opportunities.

less favoured

Highlights a reduced level of being preferred or promoted.

FAQs

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

You can use "least preferential" to describe an option or choice that is the least favored among a set of alternatives. For example, "Among the proposed solutions, the restructuring plan was the "least preferential" because of its potential impact on employee morale".

What are some alternatives to "least preferential"?

Some alternatives to "least preferential" include "least favored", "lowest priority", or "least desired" depending on the specific context.

Is "least preferential" formal or informal?

"Least preferential" is generally considered a neutral to formal term. Simpler alternatives might be more suitable for informal contexts.

What's the difference between "least preferential" and "unfavorable"?

"Least preferential" implies a comparative ranking among options, whereas "unfavorable" indicates a negative assessment without necessarily comparing it to other options.