less adorable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "less adorable" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when comparing the adorableness of two or more subjects, indicating that one is not as adorable as the other. Example: "While the puppy was undeniably cute, the kitten was even less adorable in comparison."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

Morgan's cheekiness coexists with some less adorable qualities.

The New Yorker

And whereas Eric Carle, the well-known writer of children's books, imagined a rubber-duck machine that goes "chuckedy-chuckedy-chuck," the reality is again less adorable than fiction.

The New York Times - Books

And just as the production can't offset the limitations of her voice -- a small, inflexible instrument that grows less adorable as she strains -- it can only do so much for her songs.

The New York Times

But, though they may be less adorable than penguins and less gripping than melting ice caps, resort owners and tour operators will be directly and strongly affected by climate change.

The New York Times

Carlos is decidedly less adorable than the chicks he supervises.

Huffington Post

Filmmaker Darryll McGowan, however, finds beauty in the less adorable residents of the animal kingdom.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

Soutra Gilmour's design cleverly packs the less than adorable twosome into a doll's house.

The Guardian

But this lot are less the adorable moppet sort of gangster and more the sort that takes pills, nicks stuff and smashes other people's faces in.

The Guardian - Film

Ms. Adams, who is never less than adorable (even if, after "Junebug," she has rarely bothered to be more), plays Anna, a generic young American city dweller tossed into a life-changing wallow through the old sod of Ireland.

The New York Times

How do Bo Burnham and Sarah Silverman execute their savage social critiques without ever seeming any less friendly or adorable?

Huffington Post

An editor for IGN said that it would be likely to appeal to both young and female gamers, due to its less challenging gameplay and "adorable" characters.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing two subjects, use "less adorable" to accurately convey that one possesses a lower degree of charm or cuteness than the other. For example: "While both kittens were playful, the older one was "less adorable"."

Common error

Avoid using "less adorable" when you simply mean something is unappealing or unattractive in a general sense. "Adorable" specifically refers to a cute or charming quality; if that quality isn't present at all, a different descriptor is more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less adorable" primarily functions as a comparative adjective phrase. It modifies a noun by indicating that it possesses a lower degree of adorableness than another entity. Ludwig AI confirms that it's usable in written English, especially in comparative contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "less adorable" is a grammatically sound and commonly used comparative phrase that helps to express that something is not quite as cute as something else. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for written English in various contexts, but is most frequently found in News & Media. When writing, it's important to remember that "adorable" has a specific connotation, and alternative wording, such as "not as cute" or "less charming", might be more appropriate depending on the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not as cute

This alternative uses simpler language to convey a lower degree of cuteness.

not as charming

This suggests a lack of charm rather than purely visual appeal.

less appealing

This is a broader term that covers overall appeal, not just adorableness.

less attractive

This focuses on physical attractiveness rather than the specific quality of being adorable.

somewhat unattractive

This implies a degree of unattractiveness rather than simply being less adorable.

not quite as sweet

Shifts the focus to sweetness or endearing qualities, rather than pure adorableness.

less delightful

Focuses on the pleasant or enjoyable nature of something, moving away from adorableness.

not very endearing

Emphasizes a lack of qualities that evoke affection.

not as precious

Suggests reduced value or cherished quality rather than pure adorableness.

not as captivating

Focuses on the ability to capture attention, moving away from the specific quality of being adorable.

FAQs

How do I use "less adorable" in a sentence?

Use "less adorable" when comparing two or more things, to indicate one is not as adorable as the other. For example: "The cartoon character was "less adorable" than the stuffed animal."

What are some alternatives to "less adorable"?

You can use alternatives such as "not as cute", "less charming", or "less appealing" depending on the specific context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "less adorable"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. The word "less" is used to indicate a smaller amount of something uncountable, and "adorable" is an adjective that can be quantified in this way.

What's the difference between "less adorable" and "unadorable"?

"Less adorable" implies a comparison, suggesting something is not as cute as something else. "Unadorable", while not a standard word, would suggest a complete lack of adorableness. It's generally better to use alternative wording such as "not adorable" or "unattractive".