less comfortable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "less comfortable" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to indicate an amount or degree of comfort that is lower than what is desired or expected. For example, "I was less comfortable during the long flight than I had anticipated."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Less comfortable?

The New York Times

Others appear much less comfortable.

The Guardian

Her younger colleague, Mariya, feels less comfortable.

The Economist

Hughes, if anything, looked less comfortable.

The New York Times - Sports

The hiring company is scarcely less comfortable.

The Economist

"The fit is considerably less comfortable today".

The New York Times - Health

The cast seems a bit less comfortable.

The New York Times

Leave town and things get less comfortable.

The Guardian - Film

Defensively, City were rather less comfortable.

The Guardian - Sport

But that's less comfortable to sell".

The Guardian - Film

I'm much less comfortable with $15.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing subjective experiences, use "less comfortable" to convey a nuanced feeling of unease, rather than strong discomfort. For example, "I felt less comfortable speaking in front of the large audience."

Common error

Avoid using "less comfortable" when a clear objective standard exists. Instead of saying "This chair is less comfortable", specify the aspect that makes it so, like "This chair has less lumbar support".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less comfortable" functions primarily as a descriptive adjective phrase. It modifies a noun to indicate a reduced level of comfort compared to a previous state or another option. Ludwig's examples showcase this use across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

59%

Science

20%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "less comfortable" serves as a descriptive adjective phrase to indicate a reduced level of comfort. As Ludwig shows, this phrase is widely used in diverse contexts like News & Media, Science, and Academia, maintaining a neutral register. When employing the phrase, consider the context and the degree of discomfort you wish to convey. Be specific and avoid using it for objective comparisons where concrete details can enhance clarity. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically sound and commonly used, making it a reliable choice for expressing nuanced feelings of unease or diminished comfort.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not as comfortable

Simply uses a more explicit negative construction without changing the core meaning.

somewhat uncomfortable

Highlights a specific degree of discomfort, adding a nuanced intensity.

not entirely at ease

Emphasizes a lack of relaxation or ease in a particular situation.

slightly uneasy

Indicates a mild sense of anxiety or disquiet.

a bit awkward

Focuses on social discomfort or a lack of smoothness in interaction.

not quite right

Suggests something is amiss or doesn't fit well, implying a subtle discomfort.

relatively inconvenient

Shifts the focus to practical difficulties rather than personal feelings.

marginally stressful

Highlights the stress component rather than the comfort level.

suboptimally suited

Implies a lack of ideal conditions or fitness for a purpose.

not ideally positioned

Focuses on the lack of an optimal arrangement, potentially causing discomfort.

FAQs

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

Use "less comfortable" to describe a situation or object that provides a reduced level of comfort compared to another. For instance, "I am "less comfortable" in this cramped seat than in my usual one."

What are some alternatives to saying "less comfortable"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "slightly uneasy", "not as relaxed", or "somewhat uncomfortable" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it correct to say "more uncomfortable" instead of "less comfortable"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but they express slightly different nuances. "Less comfortable" implies a smaller degree of discomfort, while "more uncomfortable" suggests a larger or increasing degree of discomfort. The best choice depends on the specific situation you're describing.

What's the difference between "less comfortable" and "uncomfortable"?

"Uncomfortable" indicates a distinct lack of comfort, while ""less comfortable"" suggests a comparative state – something is not as comfortable as something else, but may still be tolerable. It represents a milder form of discomfort.