less attractive than

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "less attractive than" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is used to compare two things or people and indicate that one is not as appealing or visually appealing as the other. Example: The new phone model is less attractive than the previous one due to its bulky design and lack of features.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The euro zone will look less attractive than ever.

The Economist

This explanation was discussed in October but proved less attractive than the alien megastructure idea.

The Guardian

His wife is a frigid schemer, who is even less attractive than her husband.

The Guardian - Opinion

Bureaucratic hassles have generally made India less attractive than other Asian countries.Other traps abound.

The Economist

Kerrynomics, both substantively and politically, is less attractive than it ought to be.

The Economist

Dreams aren't the same as drive, and self-pity is less attractive than hard work.

The New York Times

My partner thinks I am angry because this other woman is less attractive than I am.

The New York Times

"This is less attractive than a game in which the percentages are reversed".

The New York Times - Sports

The political and social models they offer are less attractive than ever.

The New York Times

At the same time, taxes make shares and options much less attractive than a good salary.

The Economist

As a scheme, it was less flexible and, to me, less attractive than others when I probed deeper.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "less attractive than" when a direct comparison is needed, but consider alternatives like "not as appealing as" to broaden the scope beyond just visual appeal.

Common error

In formal or professional settings, using "less attractive than" to describe options might sound unprofessional or subjective. Instead, opt for phrases like "less advantageous than" or "less suitable than" to maintain objectivity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less attractive than" functions as a comparative adjective phrase. It's used to draw a comparison between two subjects, indicating that one possesses a lower degree of attractiveness compared to the other. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct. Ludwig examples show a broad usage across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Science

26%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "less attractive than" is a grammatically sound and very common comparative adjective phrase used to express that one entity possesses a lower degree of attractiveness relative to another. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is widely accepted. While its usage is typically neutral, context dictates its formality. It appears most frequently in News & Media and Science, offering a means of subjective comparison or differentiation. While alternatives exist, "less attractive than" provides a straightforward way to express comparative appeal.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not as appealing as

Replaces "attractive" with "appealing", focusing on general appeal rather than specifically physical attractiveness. This broadens the scope of the comparison.

not as desirable as

Shifts the focus from physical appearance to general desirability or preference, making the comparison about what is wanted or favored.

not as visually pleasing as

Emphasizes the visual aspect, making it clear that the comparison is about aesthetic qualities.

not as captivating as

Highlights the power to charm or fascinate, suggesting something lacks the ability to hold one's attention or interest.

paler in comparison to

This phrase suggests a weaker impact when compared to something else, often implying a lack of vibrancy or intensity.

overshadowed by

Implies that something is hidden or diminished because something else is more prominent or noticeable.

outshone by

Suggests a difference in brilliance or excellence, with one thing being superior to the other.

lacking the allure of

Focuses on the absence of a captivating or enticing quality.

a poor substitute for

Indicates that something is inadequate or deficient when used in place of something else, highlighting its inferiority.

second fiddle to

This phrase depicts a secondary or subordinate role, indicating something is less important or esteemed.

FAQs

How can I use "less attractive than" in a sentence?

You can use "less attractive than" to compare two options, indicating one is not as visually appealing or desirable as the other. For example, "The older model is "less attractive than" the new one."

What are some alternatives to "less attractive than"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "not as appealing as", "not as desirable as", or "not as visually pleasing as".

Is it appropriate to use "less attractive than" in professional writing?

While grammatically correct, using "less attractive than" might sound subjective in professional contexts. Consider using more objective comparisons like "less advantageous than" or "less suitable than".

What's the difference between "less attractive than" and "less appealing than"?

"Less attractive than" typically refers to physical appearance or visual appeal, while "less appealing than" encompasses a broader range of factors, including functionality, features, or overall desirability.