less applicable

USAGE SUMMARY

The term "less applicable" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe something that no longer applies or works as effectively as it once did. For example, "In the current technological climate, these traditional methods of marketing are becoming less applicable."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The creators of reality shows have come to prefer the term "unscripted," but as the genre has developed both terms have come to be less applicable.

The New Yorker

But when the Arab Spring drew the United States into a new set of military interventions in the Middle East, the 2001 resolution's authority was far less applicable.

The New Yorker

In his farewell address, President George Washington said: "I hold the maxim no less applicable to public than to private affairs, that honesty is always the best policy".

The Guardian - Opinion

The authors acknowledge that most of the studies are old, which may make the findings less applicable to modern health settings.

The New York Times

Automation is therefore less applicable.

Handbook of Network and System Administration

Those are ones where technology is more or less applicable".

TechCrunch

Therefore, the results in [12] are less applicable.

Advances in Difference Equations

The shares were purchased, in cash, at a unit price of $4.00, excluding interest and less applicable withholding taxes.

TechCrunch

I will argue that these criticisms are less applicable to psychopathy.

Cognition

Since most of these techniques are invasive, they are less applicable in children.

Journal of Pediatric Urology

This makes the study less applicable for specific groups of patients with high use of barbiturates, opioids and benzodiazepines.

The Journal of Headache and Pain

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "less applicable", ensure you clearly state what it is becoming less applicable to. Providing context enhances clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "less applicable" without specifying the context. For example, instead of saying "This theory is less applicable", clarify by stating "This theory is less applicable to modern urban environments because...".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less applicable" functions as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun to indicate a reduced degree of relevance or suitability. As supported by Ludwig, it describes something that is not as relevant or effective as it once was.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

44%

News & Media

37%

Formal & Business

19%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "less applicable" effectively conveys that something is becoming less relevant or suitable in a given context. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and frequently used. Appearing most often in scientific and news contexts, the phrase maintains a neutral to formal tone. When employing "less applicable", clarity is crucial; specify what it's becoming less applicable to, preventing ambiguity. Consider related phrases like "less relevant" or "less suitable" to fine-tune your message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

less relevant

Focuses specifically on a decrease in relevance or pertinence to the matter at hand.

less suitable

Emphasizes the reduced appropriateness or fitness for a particular purpose.

less appropriate

Highlights a decrease in the correctness or suitability based on established norms or standards.

less pertinent

Similar to "less relevant", but often used in more formal or academic contexts to suggest a lack of direct connection.

not as fitting

Indicates that something is not as well-matched or aligned with the needs of the situation.

not as useful

Focuses on the diminished utility or practical value in a certain context.

less effective

Highlights the decreased ability to produce a desired outcome or result.

less valid

Suggests a weakening in the logical soundness or factual basis of something.

less germane

Similar to "less pertinent", suggesting reduced importance or relevance to a specific topic.

increasingly irrelevant

Emphasizes the process of becoming less relevant over time.

FAQs

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

You can use "less applicable" to indicate that something is becoming less relevant or suitable. For example: "As technology advances, some traditional methods become "less applicable"."

What are some alternatives to "less applicable"?

Alternatives include "less relevant", "less suitable", or "less appropriate", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to use "less applicable" or "not applicable"?

"Less applicable" implies a gradual decrease in relevance, while "not applicable" suggests something is entirely irrelevant or doesn't apply at all. The choice depends on the degree of relevance.

How does "less applicable" differ from "irrelevant"?

"Less applicable" suggests a diminished degree of relevance, whereas "irrelevant" implies a complete lack of connection or importance. "Irrelevant" is a stronger term, indicating something is completely unrelated.