less adroit

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "less adroit" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone or something that is not as skillful or adept in a particular area compared to another. Example: "While she is talented, her colleague is less adroit in handling complex negotiations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

Steinbrenner's political moves were less adroit.

The New Yorker

News Corp paid $580m for the less adroit social network, then approaching 100m users, in 2005.

The Guardian - Tech

He was less adroit on a bunt by Rocco Baldelli in the seventh.

The New York Times - Sports

Her message was essentially the same as that of Nicola Sturgeon but she was less adroit at expressing it.

Independent

Tech executives know how to hire engineers and designers; they're less adroit at recruiting editors or producers.

The New York Times - Magazine

Dr. Rowe, masterful at reputation-building in the fat years, proved less adroit in adversity, trustees say.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

Mr. Spitzer declined, and Mr. Giuliani's skills as a fixer seemed less than adroit.

The New York Times

We stand at her shoulder, in effect, and observe the process of decisions, about form and nuance, that are never less than adroit.

The New Yorker

The manager who can act directly and decisively in a crisis of survival may prove to be less than adroit in guiding the search for uniqueness.

Harvard Business Review

I found it perhaps more technically adroit but less compelling.

The New York Times - Arts

A more adroit episcopate, one less blinded by confrontation, more open to creative solutions, could certainly find ways around these issues.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "less adroit" when you want to subtly suggest a lack of skill or dexterity, without being overly critical. It's a more nuanced way to point out a deficiency.

Common error

Avoid using "less adroit" in casual conversation or informal writing. It can sound overly formal or pretentious in contexts where simpler language is more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less adroit" functions as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun to indicate a comparative lack of skill or dexterity. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's correct and usable in written English. Examples show it describing people, actions, or even literary styles.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Academia

8%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "less adroit" is a grammatically sound and relatively common way to express a comparative lack of skill or dexterity. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct. It is most frequently used in news and media contexts, suggesting a neutral to formal tone. When using "less adroit", consider its slightly elevated register and whether a simpler alternative like "less skilled" might be more appropriate for your audience. The phrase is well-supported by authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian, reinforcing its validity and usefulness in written English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

less skilled

Focuses directly on a lower level of skill, omitting the nuance of dexterity.

less proficient

Emphasizes a reduced level of competence or expertise.

less adept

Similar to "adroit", but this alternative directly states lower aptitude.

not as skillful

Uses a more straightforward comparison to indicate a lower level of skill.

not as deft

Replaces "adroit" with "deft", highlighting a lack of finesse.

somewhat clumsy

Indicates a degree of awkwardness or lack of coordination.

rather inept

Suggests a stronger sense of incompetence or unsuitability.

not so competent

Emphasizes a lack of capability or effectiveness.

lacking finesse

Highlights the absence of grace or subtlety in execution.

less capable

Focuses on the reduced ability to perform a specific task.

FAQs

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

You can use "less adroit" to describe someone or something that is not as skillful or adept in a particular area compared to another. For example: "While she is talented, her colleague is less adroit in handling complex negotiations."

What can I say instead of "less adroit"?

You can use alternatives like "less skilled", "less proficient", or "less adept" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "less adroit" or "not as adroit"?

Both "less adroit" and "not as adroit" are grammatically correct. "Less adroit" is slightly more concise, while "not as adroit" might be preferred for emphasis or clarity in certain contexts.

What is the difference between "less adroit" and "inept"?

"Less adroit" suggests a relative lack of skill, while "inept" implies a more significant degree of incompetence. "Less adroit" is a milder term.