less cool

USAGE SUMMARY

It is correct and can be used in written English.
You could use it to describe something that is not particularly impressive or noteworthy, such as "The new movie was less cool than I had expected."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

(less cool).

The Guardian - Music

They would be less cool.

The New Yorker

We're maybe a little less cool".

The Guardian - Film

Behind him, tempers were less cool.

The Guardian - Sport

In the nineties, Lurie became less cool but more interesting.

The New Yorker

(Teenagers see generic packs as much less cool).

The New York Times

Why was I feeling less cool than a septuagenarian?

The New York Times

I think you might be less cool than my dad.

The Guardian - Opinion

There are now one third less cool months than before.

The Guardian

All these things make us less and less cool.

The Guardian

After which, it must be said, you became less cool.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about subjective opinions, be sure to provide context and examples to clarify what makes something "less cool".

Common error

Avoid using "less cool" without providing specific reasons or context. Saying something is "less cool" without explanation can make your writing seem vague and unsupported. Instead, explain why it is less cool in relation to something else.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less cool" functions as a comparative adjective phrase. It modifies a noun by indicating a lower degree of coolness compared to something else. Ludwig provides examples where it describes products, people, or concepts deemed not as trendy or fashionable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

17%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Academia

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "less cool" is a common comparative adjective phrase used to express that something is not as trendy, fashionable, or desirable as something else. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is grammatically sound and frequently used in neutral contexts, particularly in news and media. While it can be subjective, providing context and comparison points enhances clarity. Alternative phrases like "not as cool" or "somewhat uncool" can be used depending on the specific shade of meaning you want to convey. Remember to avoid overusing the phrase without providing specific reasons to avoid vagueness in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not as cool

Expresses a similar sentiment by directly comparing the level of coolness.

somewhat uncool

Uses a direct antonym to describe a slightly lower degree of coolness.

not very trendy

Replaces "cool" with "trendy", focusing on current fashion or popularity.

a bit outdated

Shifts the focus to being behind current times or trends, implying a lack of coolness.

not so fashionable

Uses "fashionable" as a synonym for cool, but with a focus on outward appearance.

less impressive

Changes the attribute from coolness to impressiveness, suggesting it's underwhelming.

slightly inferior

Broadens the concept to general quality, implying that it's not as good or desirable.

not as exciting

Replaces coolness with excitement, focusing on the lack of thrill or appeal.

mildly uninteresting

Shifts from coolness to general interest, suggesting a lack of appeal.

not quite the in thing

Uses a more colloquial expression, highlighting the lack of current popularity.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "less cool" in a sentence?

Use "less cool" to compare items or ideas. For instance, "This year's design is "less cool" than last year's because it lacks innovative features."

What are some alternatives to saying "less cool"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "not as cool", "somewhat uncool", or "not very trendy".

Is it appropriate to use "less cool" in formal writing?

While "less cool" is generally acceptable, it's more suited for informal or neutral contexts. In formal writing, consider using more precise language like "less impressive" or "less desirable".

What makes something "less cool" than something else?

Coolness is subjective, but it often relates to trends, innovation, or appeal. Something might be "less cool" if it's seen as outdated, lacks originality, or doesn't align with current tastes.