least stringent

USAGE SUMMARY

'least stringent' is a correct and usable expression in written English.
When used in a sentence, it typically refers to something that has fewer restrictions, rules, or regulations than something else. For example, "The new law includes the least stringent policy on emissions of any country in the world."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Antisense PNA silencing showed fabI to be the least stringent, whereas expressed antisense silencing found murA was significantly less stringently required, relative to the other four essential genes examined (Figures 5 and 6).

Plosone

International election observers also say that election controls were least stringent in such areas.

The New York Times

The measure was the least stringent of three competing amendments intended to address climate change.

The New York Times

In many cases, infants were fed foods that would surprise even the least stringent of mothers.

The Washington Post

Poorly aligned regions of the multiple protein alignment of EGFRs were removed with Gblocks49 using the least stringent parameters.

Nature

Of those, however, Maryland is the least stringent, defining large capacity as those holding in excess of 20 rounds.

The Washington Post

When they comply with the least stringent standards, enterprises must manage component sourcing, production, and logistics separately for each market, because rules differ by country.

Harvard Business Review

Compared to the PMPL and ESMI, the IOJ method gave the least stringent assessment results, with 22% of lakes failing to meet the environmental objectives.

Limnologica

Some preservationists, including Ms. DiPerna, the board member of Otsego 2000, are disturbed that "the beautiful idea of green energy all comes down to paying the lowest price to the least stringent community to make a profit for private developers".

The New York Times

At the same time, there is much talk about how to reform the regulatory systems around the world, and how to standardize regulation to avoid the "regulatory arbitrage" of seeking out jurisdictions with the least stringent rules.

The New York Times

Britain's are among the least stringent job-protection laws: of the 40 countries in the index compiled by the OECD, only America and Canada have looser rules (see chart).

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing multiple options, clearly identify what aspects are being evaluated for stringency to provide context for your audience.

Common error

Avoid assuming that the "least stringent" option is inherently ineffective. It may be intentionally designed to balance flexibility with achieving a minimum acceptable standard.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "least stringent" functions as a modifier, specifically an adjective phrase. It describes the degree to which something is strict or rigorous, indicating the minimum level of enforcement or restriction. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

52%

News & Media

36%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "least stringent" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe the minimum level of strictness or restriction. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage across varied contexts. Predominantly featured in scientific and news domains, "least stringent" serves to compare and contrast standards, methods, or regulations, highlighting the one with the fewest limitations. While related phrases like "most lenient" and "most permissive" offer similar meanings, "least stringent" emphasizes a lack of rigor. When using this phrase, ensure you provide context by specifying the aspects being evaluated for stringency. Be mindful that "least stringent" doesn't automatically equate to ineffectiveness; it simply balances flexibility with acceptable standards.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

most lenient

Focuses on a permissive approach rather than a lack of stringency.

most permissive

Highlights allowance and freedom from restrictions.

most flexible

Emphasizes adaptability and lack of rigidity.

most relaxed

Suggests a lack of formality or strictness.

easiest to satisfy

Focuses on the minimal requirements for compliance or achievement.

minimally restrictive

Directly addresses the low level of imposed limitations.

least demanding

Indicates minimal effort or requirements needed.

loosest

Emphasizes a lack of control or tightness.

most tolerant

Highlights acceptance of variations and deviations.

most accommodating

Focuses on willingness to adapt to circumstances.

FAQs

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

You can use "least stringent" to describe a rule, regulation, or standard that is the most relaxed or permissive compared to others. For example, "This is the "least stringent" safety regulation we have".

What's a good alternative to "least stringent"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "most lenient", "most permissive", or "most flexible" to convey a similar meaning. The phrase "most lenient" often implies a compassionate or forgiving approach.

Is it better to have the "least stringent" or the most stringent rules?

The appropriateness of "least stringent" versus most stringent rules depends on the specific situation and goals. "Least stringent" rules may be preferable when flexibility and ease of compliance are important, while stricter rules may be necessary for ensuring safety or achieving high standards.

How does "least stringent" compare to "less stringent"?

"Least stringent" indicates the absolute minimum level of strictness, while "less stringent" simply means not as strict as something else. A rule can be "less stringent" than another, but not necessarily the "least stringent" of all possible options.