least successful

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "least successful" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to compare the success levels of different things or people, with the least successful being the lowest or least accomplished. Example: Out of all the contestants, John was the least successful in the competition, as he only managed to win one round.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

In domestic policy Sobieski was least successful.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It was Gordon's least successful makeover.

Independent

Which ones are the least successful?

The New York Times

The least successful do so directly.

The New York Times - Books

The least successful adaptations I've done are those without personality.

The Guardian - Film

"The Present Shock" is the least successful of the lot.

The New Yorker

I was the least successful of the groups.

Columbia University

The least successful moments occur in the final part, Secus.

The Guardian

It was, commercially, probably the least successful of Houseman's films.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

In Christian terms, it was the least successful indeed, a scandal.

The New Yorker

At the same time, Louisiana is the country's least successful state in attracting new residents.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "least successful", ensure you're making a clear comparison. Specify what you're comparing to provide context and avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "least successful" without providing specific criteria for success. What constitutes success in the given context? Being precise strengthens your statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "least successful" functions as a superlative adjective phrase, modifying a noun to indicate that it has achieved the lowest level of success compared to others. Ludwig's examples illustrate this usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "least successful" is a grammatically sound and frequently used adjective phrase that is employed to denote the lowest level of achievement in comparison to others. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. Its versatility allows for usage across various registers, from formal academic writing to informal news reporting. When using this phrase, ensure a clear comparison is being made, and specify the criteria for success to avoid ambiguity. Remember, "least successful" serves to pinpoint the bottom performer within a given context, not necessarily an absolute failure.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

most unsuccessful

Replaces 'least' with 'most' to emphasize the extent of lack of success.

not very successful

Expresses a mild degree of lack of success.

relatively unsuccessful

Highlights the lack of success in comparison to others.

less than successful

Indicates a failure to achieve the desired outcome.

failed

A more direct and absolute term for lack of success.

ineffective

Focuses on the lack of desired effect or result.

unproductive

Emphasizes the lack of output or achievement.

fruitless

Suggests a lack of positive outcome or reward.

poorly executed

Focuses on the quality of the execution leading to a lack of success.

suboptimal

Indicates a result that is below the best possible outcome.

FAQs

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

You can use "least successful" to compare the outcomes of different endeavors, for example: "Among all marketing campaigns, the social media campaign was the "least successful"".

What are some alternatives to "least successful"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "most unsuccessful", "not very successful", or "relatively unsuccessful".

Is it grammatically correct to say "least successful"?

Yes, "least successful" is grammatically correct. It's a superlative adjective phrase used to indicate the lowest level of success among a group or set of items.

What's the difference between "least successful" and "unsuccessful"?

"Unsuccessful" is a general term indicating a lack of success. "Least successful" implies a comparison and identifies the item or effort with the poorest results compared to others. It implies that there are others attempts/endeavors, and at least one is more successful.