less ability

USAGE SUMMARY

"less ability" is a grammatically correct phrase and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to indicate a decrease in a person's or thing's skill, competence, or capability. Example: After her injury, she had less ability to perform complex dance moves.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"We're talking about subtle effects: hyperactivity, hearing loss, less ability to learn".

The New York Times

"Those other districts have less ability to finance education by their own wherewithal," Mr. Sanders said.

The New York Times

"If you earn less it means you have less ability and no one wants to marry someone with less ability," she said.

The New York Times

But the flip side is less ability to weather lengthy unprofitable periods.

The New York Times

Employers would have less ability to sponsor the people they need.There are several problems.

The Economist

His limbs fly off, but he will keep fighting, though with incrementally less ability as he takes more damage.

The Guardian - Tech

Yet divorced families typically have fewer resources and less ability to act as a unit in times of crisis.

The New York Times

They have less ability but they do have an unusual degree of flair and some volatile and explosive hitters.

The Guardian - Sport

Those at the bottom of the economic ladder possess no less ability to work hard and benefit from their skills.

The New York Times

However, honeybee colonies have far more individual bees than bumblebees, suggesting the latter have far less ability to compensate.

The Guardian

Medicaid, a joint state-federal program of health insurance for the poor, has even less ability to absorb cuts.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a specific skill, follow "less ability" with "to" + verb (e.g., "less ability to concentrate") for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "less ability" when "inability" is more accurate; "less ability" implies some capacity remains, while "inability" indicates a complete lack of capacity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less ability" functions as a noun phrase that typically acts as the object of a verb or preposition. It indicates a reduced capacity or skill in a particular area. Ludwig provides various examples of its usage in different contexts, confirming its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "less ability" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase to describe a reduction in capacity or skill. As Ludwig examples show, it appears across diverse contexts, from news and media to scientific literature. The phrase is best followed by "to" + verb when describing a specific skill, but avoid using it when "inability" is more accurate. While alternatives like "reduced capability" or "decreased skill" exist, "less ability" remains a versatile and widely understood choice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reduced capability

Focuses on the capacity aspect, indicating a decrease in overall potential.

decreased skill

Specifically highlights a decline in proficiency in a particular area.

diminished competence

Emphasizes a reduction in effectiveness or suitability.

impaired aptitude

Suggests a weakening of natural talent or inclination.

weakened capacity

Highlights the reduction in the power to perform or produce.

limited skill set

Indicates a restricted range of skills, implying a deficiency in overall capability.

lower proficiency

Directly states a reduced level of expertise.

reduced potential

Focuses on a decrease in the capacity for future achievement.

restricted skill

Emphasizes the limitation in a particular skill area.

lessened aptitude

Highlights the decrease in the inherent capacity to learn or perform.

FAQs

How can I use "less ability" in a sentence?

You can use "less ability" to describe a reduced capacity to perform a task. For example, "Due to the injury, she had "less ability" to run long distances".

What are some alternatives to "less ability"?

Alternatives include "reduced capability", "decreased skill", or "diminished competence", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more correct to say "less ability" or "lower ability"?

"Less ability" is generally preferred when referring to a decrease in overall capacity, while "lower ability" might be used to compare ability levels between different subjects or in a specific metric. The best choice depends on the context.

What's the difference between "less ability" and "inability"?

"Less ability" implies a reduction in capacity, while "inability" indicates a complete lack of capacity. For example, "He has "less ability" to lift heavy weights after his injury," versus "He has an "inability" to walk without assistance".