less dependable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "less dependable" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something or someone that is not as reliable or trustworthy as another option. Example: "After the recent incidents, I find that this service is less dependable than I initially thought."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

It's decidedly old-school, but with a modern twist that takes advantage of hardware everyone has on them at all times, while not depending on some of the more advanced (and less dependable) features like a cellular data connection.

TechCrunch

Later, though, things become less dependable.

The Guardian - Books

After about 18 months, the work became less dependable.

The New York Times

The food, however, is less dependable than the surroundings.

The New York Times

And the ride was a lot less dependable.

The New York Times

Inland, construction will become trickier and ice roads less dependable, so development will gravitate to the coasts.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

After coming under attack, the column retreated, officials said, leading to complaints from some American officers and troops that their Afghan allies were less than dependable in carrying out a mission when confronted with mortar fire.

The New York Times

If you were a child growing up in China in the late nineteen-eighties, you learned fairly early the universe of things that were less than dependable: hot water, the bus schedule, and, most irritatingly if you were an introverted second grader the capricious offerings of the itinerant book cart.

The New Yorker

He's winning the ball at Greg Williams rates – 48, 34, 38, 30, 28 and 34 possessions in his last six games – is so often excellent and never less than dependable in the Lions midfield and is showcasing the kind of defensive capabilities a team as bad and undermanned as his needs.

The Guardian - Sport

A good jobs and investment environment depends on a strong and stable currency, restrained federal spending, less harmful legislation, dependable contract law, limits on taxation and countercyclical capital regulation.

Forbes

It's reasonably priced at less than $200, dependable and built to last.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "less dependable", ensure that the context clearly indicates what the subject is being compared to. For example, specify what the alternative is or what the subject used to be more dependable than.

Common error

Avoid using "less dependable" without providing specific reasons or evidence to support the claim. Simply stating something is "less dependable" without context can weaken your argument.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less dependable" functions as a comparative adjective phrase, modifying a noun to indicate a reduced level of reliability or trustworthiness. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is used to describe a decline in the subject's ability to be relied upon.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Reference

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "less dependable" is a commonly used adjective phrase indicating a decrease in reliability or trustworthiness. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is valid and suitable for use in written English. It frequently appears in news articles, scientific publications, and formal business communications. The related phrases provided offer alternative ways to express this concept, each with slight variations in meaning. Remember to provide context when using "less dependable" to ensure clarity. Avoid overgeneralization and support your claims with specific reasons or evidence. Ludwig's analysis highlights the phrase's function, purpose, and register, providing a comprehensive understanding of its usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not as reliable

Highlights a comparative lack of reliability.

less trustworthy

Focuses on the lack of trustworthiness or integrity.

more unreliable

Emphasizes the increase in unreliability compared to the original.

questionable reliability

Casts doubt on its reliability.

not to be relied upon

States directly that it cannot be depended on.

somewhat precarious

Implies a degree of instability or uncertainty.

increasingly uncertain

Highlights the growing uncertainty over time.

decreasingly stable

Suggests a decline in stability.

not steadfast

Indicates a lack of consistency or firmness.

unpredictable nature

Focuses on the unpredictable aspect.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "less dependable"?

You can use alternatives like "more unreliable", "not as reliable", or "less trustworthy" depending on the context.

How to use "less dependable" in a sentence?

You can use "less dependable" to describe something or someone that is not as reliable as before. For example: "After the recent changes, the service became "less dependable"."

Which is correct, "less dependable" or "more undependable"?

"Less dependable" is generally preferred and more common. "More undependable" is grammatically correct, but sounds less natural.

What's the difference between "less dependable" and "less reliable"?

"Less dependable" and "less reliable" are largely interchangeable. "Dependable" emphasizes the ability to be counted on, while "reliable" highlights consistency in performance. The choice depends on the nuance you wish to convey.