less beneficial

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "less beneficial" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when comparing the advantages or positive effects of two or more things, indicating that one is not as advantageous as the other. Example: "While both options have their merits, the second choice is less beneficial for long-term growth."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Some less beneficial for the soul than others.

The Washington Post

The 0-0 on Saturday hints at another, no less beneficial legacy though.

The Guardian - Sport

Selling the equipment for scrap would be less beneficial than simply taking a tax write-off.

The Washington Post

This is less beneficial in one respect, but since they get most of the deals right, they leave feeling happier.

The New York Times

But the impact may be less beneficial over a longer time horizon as more inward migrants retire," he said.

The Guardian - Business

"Cheaper and easier culls are much less beneficial and can make cattle TB worse rather than better".

The Guardian

The quake has been less beneficial to the left, at least for now.

The New York Times

Second, the chaebol system has been less beneficial for South Korea than Samsung's success might imply.

The Economist

Even so, wind and solar are still less beneficial than the alternatives which Dr Franks considers.

The Economist

Heavy rock music has over the years been associated with less beneficial effects.

Independent

In flooded situations, it is less beneficial, for reasons that are not clear.

Studies in Plant Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing options, use "less beneficial" to clearly indicate which one offers fewer advantages or positive outcomes. Be specific about the area where the benefit is reduced.

Common error

Avoid using "less beneficial" without specifying the context of the benefit. Without context, it can be unclear what aspect is "less beneficial".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less beneficial" functions as a comparative adjective phrase, modifying a noun to indicate that something provides fewer advantages or positive effects compared to something else. As shown in Ludwig, it's used to make comparisons across a wide variety of subjects.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

32%

News & Media

48%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "less beneficial" is a versatile and frequently used phrase that acts as a comparative adjective, indicating a reduced level of advantage or positive impact. As confirmed by Ludwig, its grammatical status is correct. Its usage spans across various domains, including science, news, and formal business contexts, maintaining a neutral to formal tone. When writing, ensure to specify the context in which something is "less beneficial" to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives such as "not as helpful" or "less advantageous" can be used to add variety. The high frequency and diverse application of this phrase underscore its importance in expressing nuanced comparisons.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not as helpful

Indicates a reduced degree of assistance or support.

not as advantageous

Highlights a reduced level of benefit or gain.

less advantageous

Emphasizes the comparative lack of advantage.

not as effective

Focuses on a lower degree of achieving the desired outcome.

less effective

Directly states a reduced level of effectiveness.

not as useful

Highlights a reduced level of utility or practicality.

less useful

Directly indicates a lower degree of usefulness.

not as valuable

Indicates a reduced level of importance or worth.

less valuable

Directly states a lower degree of value.

suboptimal

Suggests that the outcome is not the best possible.

FAQs

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

You can use "less beneficial" to compare the advantages of two or more options, such as: "While both options have their merits, the second choice is "less beneficial" for long-term growth."

What are some alternatives to "less beneficial"?

Alternatives include "not as helpful", "less advantageous", "not as effective", or "suboptimal", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What's the difference between "less beneficial" and "not beneficial"?

"Less beneficial" indicates a reduced level of benefit, while "not beneficial" implies that there is no benefit at all. The former suggests some positive aspects, whereas the latter indicates a complete lack of advantages.

Is "less beneficial" the same as "detrimental"?

No, "less beneficial" means something provides fewer advantages, while "detrimental" means it actively causes harm or damage. They are opposites; something "less beneficial" might still be helpful, just not as much as something else, while something detrimental is always negative.