less capable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "less capable" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to compare two things or individuals in terms of their ability or competence. Example: John is less capable of handling stressful situations compared to his colleague, Sarah.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Are we less capable?

The New Yorker

Lethal yet less capable al Qaeda affiliates.

The Guardian

In less capable hands this would be daunting territory.

The Guardian

Adoption agencies appear even less capable of self-examination.

The New York Times - Magazine

The unequivocal result: a smaller and less capable army.

The Guardian - Opinion

Some have been less fortunate, or less capable.

The New York Times - Arts

In less capable hands, maybe; in DiSpirito's, it's pure genius".

The New York Times - Food

They had never looked less capable of winning.

The New York Times - Sports

It could easily have become leaden in less capable hands.

Independent

"They're less capable, even if they're still lethal.

The New York Times

They're less capable of puppet-mastering the whole scene".

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "less capable" to describe a specific area of weakness rather than a general statement of incompetence. This makes your assessment more precise and constructive.

Common error

Avoid using "less capable" as a broad, unsubstantiated critique. Instead, provide specific examples or context to support your assessment. This makes your statement more credible and less likely to be perceived as biased.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less capable" functions as a comparative adjective phrase. It is used to describe someone or something that possesses a lower degree of ability or competence relative to another. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "less capable" is a grammatically sound and frequently used comparative adjective phrase that describes a reduced level of ability or competence. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct. It's most commonly found in news and media, science, and formal business contexts. When using "less capable", it's essential to provide clear comparisons and specific examples to avoid ambiguity or overgeneralization. Consider alternatives such as "less skilled" or "less competent" to fine-tune your message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not as capable

A slightly more emphatic way of stating the same lack of ability.

less skilled

Focuses specifically on a lack of proficiency in a particular skill.

less competent

Emphasizes a general lack of fitness or qualification for a task.

less qualified

Highlights the absence of necessary qualifications or credentials.

less adept

Indicates a lack of natural ability or skill in a particular area.

less proficient

Similar to "less skilled", but suggests a higher level of expertise is lacking.

less effective

Focuses on the reduced ability to produce the desired outcome.

less efficient

Highlights the reduced ability to achieve results without wasting resources.

less able

A more general term indicating a reduced capacity or power to do something.

somewhat limited

Suggests a degree of restriction in ability, rather than a complete lack.

FAQs

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

You can use "less capable" to compare the abilities of two subjects or to describe a deficiency in a specific area. For example, "This older model is "less capable" of handling complex tasks compared to the newer version."

What are some alternatives to "less capable"?

Some alternatives to "less capable" include "less skilled", "less competent", or "less qualified", depending on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "less capable" in a formal setting?

Yes, "less capable" is appropriate in formal settings as long as it's used objectively and supported by evidence. However, consider using alternatives like "less proficient" or "less experienced" if you want to soften the criticism.

What's the difference between "less capable" and "incapable"?

"Less capable" indicates a reduced level of ability, while "incapable" means completely unable. "Less capable" suggests that someone can still perform a task, but not as well as others, whereas "incapable" means they cannot do it at all.