less appealing than

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "less appealing than" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to compare the attractiveness or desirability of two things, indicating that one is not as appealing as the other. Example: "The new design is less appealing than the previous version, which received much more positive feedback."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

When the 2013 schedule was released, few games were less appealing than this one.

The New York Times - Sports

A visit to Egypt is less appealing than it used to be.

The New York Times

Somehow it seems less appealing than Pete Townshend smashing a guitar.

The Guardian - Music

Isn't an absence of authenticity even less appealing than an absence of magnetism?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Each tiny success made him that bit less appealing than Jeremy Corbyn.

The Guardian - Opinion

Clarified butter also smells and tastes great, different but no less appealing than whole butter.

The New York Times

And selling myself as a brand seems even less appealing than selling myself as, well, me.

The New York Times

"Some characters are less appealing than others, but none are saintly, none unsaintly.

The New York Times

The real London weather was a lot less appealing than the synthetic version inside Tate Modern.

The Guardian

The results showed that each group judged the retrofitted routes as less appealing than the main routes.

Landscape and Urban Planning

In many respects Hergé, whose real name was Georges Remi, was a good deal less appealing than his creation.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing two options, ensure that the context clearly establishes what qualities make one option "less appealing than" the other. Specify the relevant criteria for comparison to enhance clarity.

Common error

Ensure your comparison is specific. Saying something is "less appealing than" something else without stating why can leave the reader confused. Provide context or reasons to support your comparison.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less appealing than" functions as a comparative adjective phrase. It's used to indicate that one entity has a lower degree of attractiveness or desirability compared to another. Ludwig examples showcase usage across various domains.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Science

13%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "less appealing than" is a grammatically sound and frequently used comparative phrase that expresses that one option is not as attractive or desirable as another. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in various contexts. Predominantly found in news and media, science, and formal business writing, it serves the purpose of highlighting differences in attractiveness or desirability. When using this phrase, ensure you provide clear context and reasons to support your comparison for maximum clarity. Alternatives include "not as attractive as" or "not as desirable as", offering nuances depending on the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not as attractive as

Uses 'attractive' instead of 'appealing', focusing specifically on visual or aesthetic appeal.

not as desirable as

Replaces 'appealing' with 'desirable', highlighting the aspect of wanting or wishing for something.

less attractive than

Direct synonym using 'attractive' instead of 'appealing'.

not as interesting as

Substitutes 'appealing' with 'interesting', shifting the focus to capturing attention or curiosity.

pales in comparison to

Uses a figurative expression to indicate that one thing is significantly weaker or less impressive.

takes a backseat to

Emphasizes that one thing is subordinate or secondary to another in terms of importance or appeal.

not nearly as captivating as

Emphasizes the characteristic of holding someone’s attention or interest, and measures degree of it.

falls short of

Highlights the idea that something fails to reach the standard or level of appeal of something else.

is overshadowed by

Suggests one thing is hidden or diminished by the presence of something more appealing.

loses out to

Implies that one thing is defeated or surpassed by something more appealing.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "less appealing than" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases such as "not as desirable as", "inferior to in terms of appeal", or "less attractive than" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

What are some synonyms for "appealing" in the phrase "less appealing than"?

Alternatives to "appealing" include "attractive", "desirable", "engaging", "interesting", or "captivating", depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to use "less appealing than" in a comparative sentence?

Yes, "less appealing than" is grammatically correct for comparing two subjects and indicating that one is not as attractive or desirable as the other. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is usable in written English.

What's the difference between "less appealing than" and "not as good as"?

"Less appealing than" specifically relates to attractiveness or desirability, while "not as good as" is a more general comparison of quality or effectiveness. The choice depends on the specific context and what aspect you're comparing.