less decent than

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "less decent than" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to compare the level of decency between two subjects, indicating that one is not as decent as the other. Example: "His behavior was less decent than I expected from someone in his position."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

From the Chief Inspector's shattering, incisive overview it's clear that our deteriorating prisons are less safe and less decent than even a year ago".

Independent

"Overall, prisons are less safe and less decent than  they were even a year ago, when we published our last report.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Certainly Cheever's voluminous harping, in his journals, on the sexual non-responsiveness of his wife, Mary, is obtuse and less than decent in perceiving no link between Mary's coolness and his daily drunkenness.

The New Yorker

Certainly, should the service be less than decent, guests would be justified (much to the chagrin of the server) in tipping a smaller percentage.

Huffington Post

It's no news that financially it stinks to be a grad student -- especially if you are paying tuition or commuting to several schools as an adjunct to offer classes at less than decent wages.

Huffington Post

*Political, because they were in rebellion against the state and therefore the people of New York, whose officials followed the public will in imprisoning them under less-than-decent conditions, then interpreted that will to sanction their murder in the name of law and order.

The New York Times - Arts

The singing is never less than very decent, and often a good deal more.

The Guardian

Mouthful for mouthful, they cost less than a decent supermarket Côtes du Rhône.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Their home computer, equipped with a built-in CD burner and software for MP3 conversion, sequencing and sampling functions, will still cost less than any decent electric guitar, synthesizer or drum set -- let alone a Stradivarius violin or a Bösendorfer piano.

The New York Times - Arts

That mentality just makes you a less than a decent person.

WikiHow

Less Than Jake.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "less decent than", ensure that the comparison is clear and the standard of decency is well-understood by your audience. This helps avoid ambiguity and ensures your point is effectively communicated.

Common error

Avoid using "less decent than" without explicitly stating what you are comparing to. Vague comparisons can confuse your reader and weaken your argument.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less decent than" functions as a comparative, serving to indicate that one subject possesses a lower degree of moral or ethical quality compared to another. Ludwig AI examples highlight its use in assessing the relative safety and ethical standards of prisons or personal behavior.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "less decent than" is a comparative expression used to indicate a lower level of moral or ethical quality. As highlighted by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct, though relatively rare. Typically found in news and media contexts, it serves to critique and compare the decency of various subjects. When employing this phrase, ensure clarity in the comparison to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives such as "not as decent as" can offer simpler, more direct ways to convey the same meaning. Overall, "less decent than" is a useful phrase for nuanced discussions about morality and ethics, provided it is used with precision and clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not as decent as

Replaces "less" with "not as", offering a more direct comparison.

inferior to in decency

Substitutes "less decent" with a more formal term indicating lower quality or moral standing.

not quite as proper as

Emphasizes the lack of propriety in the comparison.

morally deficient compared to

Highlights a moral shortcoming in the comparison.

of lower moral caliber than

Uses a more elevated tone to indicate a reduced moral standard.

somewhat unethical compared with

Focuses on the ethical implications of the comparison.

not up to the standards of

Indicates a failure to meet established moral or ethical criteria.

falling short of decency

Emphasizes the failure to achieve a certain level of decency.

ethically questionable in comparison to

Highlights the uncertainty and doubt surrounding the ethical status.

wanting in moral fiber

Indicates a lack of strong moral principles.

FAQs

How can I use "less decent than" in a sentence?

You can use "less decent than" to compare the level of decency between two things or actions, indicating that one is not as morally acceptable as the other. For example, "His behavior was "less decent than" I expected from a professional."

What's a simple alternative to "less decent than"?

A simpler alternative to "less decent than" is "not as decent as". This conveys the same meaning in a more straightforward manner.

Is it better to use "less decent than" or "indecent"?

Whether to use "less decent than" or "indecent" depends on the context. "Indecent" describes something that is outright offensive or morally inappropriate. "Less decent than" is a comparative phrase that implies a milder degree of lacking moral quality compared to something else.

What does "of lower moral caliber than" mean compared to "less decent than"?

"Of lower moral caliber than" is a more formal and emphatic way of saying something is "less decent than" something else. It suggests a significant difference in moral quality or integrity.