less cautious

USAGE SUMMARY

"less cautious" is a correct and usable phrase in written English, and it can be used to describe a situation in which something or someone is behaving less cautiously than before.
For example, "After months of being cautious, she decided to become less cautious and take more risks."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

His young supporters are less cautious.

The Economist

In contrast, the firm's peers were less cautious.

The New York Times

Other Western officials have been less cautious than Mr. Obama.

The New York Times

Less cautious coalition partners warn luridly of another bloodbath.The second set of changes is more controversial.

The Economist

In his less cautious pre-Senate days, Obama expressed his view of the world more bluntly.

The New Yorker

In the event of another catastrophic attack, India might be less cautious.

The Economist

Inevitably, J. P. Morgan's innovation was taken up by more aggressive and less cautious banks.

The New Yorker

DuPont refers to its Kevlar products as bullet-resistant, rather than as bulletproof; Caballero is less cautious.

The New Yorker

This points to the need for the UN and aid donors to take a less cautious approach.

The Economist

TWO more appointees may well have shifted the debate and caused the Fed to have been less cautious.

The New York Times

But besides occasional flashes of vigour, the incumbent appeared uncomfortable, mispronouncing words and rushing to finish.Mr Cruz proved less cautious.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "less cautious" when comparing the level of carefulness in two situations or entities. For example, "The company became "less cautious" with its investments after the market stabilized."

Common error

Avoid using "less cautious" as an absolute description without a point of comparison. Instead of saying "He is "less cautious"", specify what he is less cautious than, or in what situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less cautious" functions primarily as a comparative adjective phrase, modifying a noun to indicate a decreased level of caution. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "less cautious" functions as a comparative adjective, denoting a reduced level of care or risk aversion. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically sound and widely used, primarily in news and media, but also in science and business contexts. Its usage implies a shift in behavior or attitude towards risk. Related phrases include "more reckless", "less prudent", and "less wary", each carrying subtle differences in meaning. When using "less cautious", ensure a clear point of comparison to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

less wary

Focuses on reduced suspicion or distrust, leading to decreased caution.

less prudent

A more formal synonym, emphasizing wisdom and careful consideration.

less circumspect

Similar to "less prudent" but emphasizes looking at all possibilities before acting.

less guarded

Similar to "less wary", suggesting a decrease in defensiveness or self-protection.

more reckless

Indicates a greater degree of disregard for potential dangers than "less cautious".

more bold

Highlights confidence and assertiveness, potentially involving risks.

more daring

Implies a willingness to take risks, focusing on bravery rather than a lack of caution.

more adventurous

Emphasizes a desire for novel and exciting experiences, often involving some risk.

less inhibited

Suggests a reduction in self-restraint or hesitation, often in social contexts.

less reserved

Implies a greater openness and willingness to express oneself.

FAQs

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

You can use "less cautious" to compare the degree of caution between two subjects or time periods. For example: "After the vaccine rollout, people became "less cautious" about attending large gatherings."

What are some alternatives to saying "less cautious"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases such as "more daring", "more reckless", or "less wary" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it correct to say "least cautious" instead of "less cautious"?

"Least cautious" implies the lowest degree of caution among a group or set of options, while "less cautious" indicates a decrease in caution compared to a previous state or another entity. The choice depends on the specific context.

What's the difference between "less cautious" and "less careful"?

While both suggest a reduction in diligence, "less cautious" often implies a reduced awareness or concern for potential risks, whereas "less careful" suggests a decline in attentiveness or precision. You might be "less cautious" about investing in a stable market, but "less careful" when proofreading a document.