less capability

USAGE SUMMARY

"less capability" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to describe a situation or subject that has a reduced ability or skill in comparison to something else. Example: "Due to budget cuts, our department has been operating with less capability to complete projects on time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

Both the SW defect and vacancies might be more capable of absorbing energy from the ripples, but have less capability to spread the gained energy again.

Carbon

For a time cars with the new hardware would have less capability to assist drivers with steering or braking than older cars running Tesla's Autopilot, Musk said.

The Guardian - Tech

The administration obtained a stay of that ruling until May 31, he disclosed, but after that date he intelligence officials had "significantly less capability" to track foreign communications.

The New York Times

"They 'blur up,' pushing each other more because they fail to recognize that novices have less capability, and consequently, more people died," says Chatman.

University of California, Berkeley

He was right, and The Times is wrong in proposing cuts that would result in both fewer troops and less capability.

The New York Times

But that's significantly less capability than it once had: From 2008 through mid-2011, it controlled over half of Somalia and strategically important towns on the Ethiopian and Kenyan border.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

I see other people who have less capabilities, but who get jobs in civil aviation because of their connections".

The Guardian

Devices with less capabilities can be configured to use simplified execution sequences which contain less network services.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

This seems to confirm migration transition theory, according to which materially poor populations of the least developed countries have less capabilities to move, and when they move, they tend to move over shorter distances, either internally, or to other African countries.

Comparative Migration Studies

Harnessing the power of globalization has the potential to create real change for diabetes communities throughout the world, as countries with less capabilities benefit from strong global coalitions.

Globalization and Health

Therefore, we suggest that the developing countries which have less capacity and capability should be able to adopt the RL that their best available data permits.

Carbon Balance and Management

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "less capability" when objectively comparing the abilities of two or more entities. Ensure your sentence clearly states what the subject has less capability than for maximum clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "less capability" when you mean a complete lack of capability. "Less capability" implies a reduced ability, not an absence of it. If there's no ability at all, use phrases like "inability" or "lack of capability" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less capability" primarily functions as a noun phrase, where "less" modifies the noun "capability". It indicates a diminished degree of ability or capacity. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this construction is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

56%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "less capability" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to denote a reduced level of ability or capacity. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is deemed correct in the English language. Its usage spans various contexts, including News & Media, Science, and Academia. While it carries a neutral to formal tone, it's crucial to use it accurately, ensuring it reflects a reduction in capability rather than a complete absence of it. For situations requiring emphasis on other nuances, alternatives like "reduced capacity" or "diminished ability" might be more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reduced capacity

Focuses on the limited amount or extent of something.

diminished ability

Highlights a decrease in the power or skill to do something.

decreased competence

Emphasizes a decline in the quality of being adequately or well qualified.

limited potential

Indicates a restricted possibility for future development or achievement.

restricted power

Focuses on the constraints placed on strength or influence.

less skill

Directly states a lower level of proficiency.

weakened capacity

Suggests that capacity has been made feebler.

impaired function

Highlights that function is damaged or diminished.

eroded competence

Suggests competence has gradually deteriorated over time.

smaller aptitude

Implies a reduced natural talent or ability for something.

FAQs

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

You can use "less capability" to compare the abilities of two or more things. For example, "The older model has "less capability" than the newer version."

What's a good substitute for "less capability"?

Depending on the context, alternatives include "reduced capacity", "diminished ability", or "decreased competence".

Is it more appropriate to use "less capability" or "fewer capabilities"?

The choice depends on whether you're discussing capability as a general attribute (use "less capability") or specific, countable capabilities (use "fewer capabilities"). For example, "The device has "less capability" overall, but offers "fewer capabilities" in terms of software integration."

When should I use "less capability" over "lower capability"?

"Less capability" is generally used when comparing the overall ability or potential of something, while "lower capability" can suggest a specific, measurable reduction in a particular function or feature. The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.