less deserved

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "less deserved" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing something that is perceived to be less worthy of recognition, reward, or treatment compared to something else. Example: "In his opinion, the award was given to someone who was less deserved than the other nominees."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

I love my school, my friends, my family, and I'm certainly going to a college that's better than anything I ever could have ever hoped for (much less deserved).

The New York Times

This was even less deserved, for the Islamists had long loathed him, both for his cultural reforms and for his insistence that sharia law came second to laws passed by parliament.He was also not tribally neutral, as no Afghan could be.

The Economist

For it's the soldiers that get far less deserved screen time and attention that Ms. Adams get for doing something that is self-less and courageous.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Like Doyle, they are effectively deemed less deserving.

The Guardian

OPEC is a much bigger target, but it's no less deserving.

The New Yorker

Swindon's equaliser also came courtesy of a deflection, but was no less deserving.

The Guardian - Sport

"It's as if women can feel less deserving".

Forbes

The boss gave the promotion to someone less deserving.

Huffington Post

Neither of us thought the faux refugees made the real refugees less deserving.

Huffington Post

The man who is connected to all of pop culture by six degrees (or less) deserves better.

Los Angeles Times

In several interviews, young adults were compared favourably to older persons with addiction problems, who were seen as less deserving.

BMC Public Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "less deserved", ensure a clear comparison. Specify what the subject is less deserving than to provide context and avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "less deserved" without clearly establishing what the subject is being compared to. Without context, the statement can be vague and confusing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less deserved" functions as a comparative adjective phrase. It is used to modify a noun, indicating that the noun is less worthy or entitled compared to something else. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its use in evaluative statements, particularly in media and opinion contexts.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "less deserved" is a grammatically correct comparative adjective phrase used to indicate that something is less worthy or entitled compared to something else. Ludwig AI confirms the correctness of the phrase. It's primarily found in news and media contexts, serving to express opinions or judgments about relative merit. When using this phrase, ensure clear context and comparison to avoid ambiguity. Alternative phrases include ""less worthy"" or ""less justified"". Although usage is currently rare, the phrase's grammatical soundness and versatility make it a valuable addition to one's vocabulary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

less earned

Focuses on the idea that something was obtained with less effort or justification.

less merited

Emphasizes the lack of qualities that would make something worthy of praise or reward.

less justified

Highlights that there are fewer reasons to consider something right or fair.

less entitled

Indicates a reduced claim or right to something.

less worthy

Stresses the lack of value or quality that would make something deserving.

underappreciated

Suggests that something has not received the recognition it warrants.

undervalued

Implies that something's worth is not properly recognized or esteemed.

less privileged

Indicates fewer advantages or opportunities compared to others.

unwarranted

Focuses on the lack of justification or reason for something.

less favored

Suggests a lower degree of preference or advantage.

FAQs

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

You can use "less deserved" to compare two subjects, indicating one is less worthy of something than the other. For example, "In his opinion, the award was given to someone who was "less deserved" than the other nominees."

What are some alternatives to "less deserved"?

Alternatives include "less worthy", "less merited", or "less justified" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "less deserved"?

Yes, "less deserved" is grammatically correct. It correctly uses "less" as a comparative adjective to describe something that merits something to a smaller extent.

What's the difference between "less deserved" and "undeserved"?

"Less deserved" implies a comparison, suggesting something is not as worthy as something else. "Undeserved" indicates something is completely unwarranted or not at all justified. For example, a promotion can be considered ""less deserved"" if other candidates were more qualified, but "undeserved" if the recipient was completely incompetent.