less believable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "less believable" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when comparing the credibility or plausibility of two or more statements, claims, or scenarios. Example: "The witness's account of the events was less believable than the video evidence presented in court."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Graebner is less believable.

The New Yorker

The drawing becomes raggedy and less believable.

The Guardian - Arts

As the lies compounded, Walter became less and less believable.

The New York Times

Is the Petula Clark of "Cut Copy Me" less believable?

The New Yorker

"She got shriller and shriller and shriller -- and less believable.

The New York Times

But this has diminishing power because the longer the promise, the less believable it is.

The Economist

The quality myth may be less believable to a younger generation of consumers.

The New York Times

But that didn't make Hersh any less believable, or Morell any more convincing.

The Guardian

Until 11am today that was more or less believable – and to her credit.

The Guardian - Opinion

At this point, higher prices provide less incentive to build because they are less believable.

The New York Times

Conversely, the overgrown lollipops bearing the mantra 'Can I Help?' were much less believable!

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing academically, consider using "less credible" as a more formal synonym.

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the lack of believability by using intensifiers like "completely less believable" when "less believable" already conveys the intended meaning. Overstatement can weaken your argument.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less believable" functions as a comparative adjective. It modifies a noun by indicating a lower degree of believability compared to something else. Ludwig shows its common usage in contexts where credibility is being assessed.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Wiki

24%

Science

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "less believable" is a commonly used comparative adjective that suggests a lower degree of credibility or plausibility. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s grammatically sound and applicable across various contexts. Its frequency, source diversity and neutral register make it an ideal choice for comparing different claims or statements. While "less believable" is correct, remember to provide clear context for your comparison and consider ""less credible"" for more formal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

less credible

Focuses more on the formal assessment of believability, often used in legal or professional contexts.

less plausible

Emphasizes the apparent truth or likelihood of something, suggesting it's not readily acceptable.

less convincing

Highlights the lack of persuasive power in an argument or statement.

less likely

Indicates a lower probability of being true or happening.

less trustworthy

Shifts the focus to the reliability and honesty of the source or statement.

more dubious

Suggests a stronger sense of doubt or suspicion surrounding the statement.

harder to accept

Emphasizes the difficulty in agreeing with or believing something.

strains credulity

Implies something is so unlikely that it challenges one's willingness to believe.

not very probable

A more formal way of saying something is unlikely.

raises questions

Suggests that something is not entirely clear or satisfactory, prompting further inquiry.

FAQs

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

You can use "less believable" when comparing two or more things in terms of their plausibility. For example, "His excuse was "less believable" than hers."

What are some alternatives to "less believable"?

Alternatives to "less believable" include "less credible", "less plausible", or "less convincing". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to say "less believable" or "more unbelievable"?

While both are grammatically correct, "less believable" is generally preferred as it sounds more natural. "More unbelievable" can sometimes sound awkward or hyperbolic.

How does the context affect the choice of words similar to "less believable"?

The context determines the best alternative. For formal settings, "less credible" is suitable. If focusing on persuasiveness, "less convincing" works. For general likelihood, "less plausible" is appropriate.