less desirable

USAGE SUMMARY

"less desirable" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to say that someone or something has undesirable qualities or that something is not as desirable as something else. For example: She considered the job offer, but the paycheck was less desirable than the one she already had.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Less desirable ones suffer a brain drain.

The Economist

That distinction now looks much less desirable.

The New York Times

Others were scattered in less desirable locations.

The New York Times - Style

What are some less desirable qualities about your governor?

The New York Times

Polyester, for example, is less desirable than smooth knit.

The New York Times - Magazine

"Our players are less desirable for US teams," Bezbatchenko says.

The Guardian - Sport

From forced association with those less desirable ethnically?

The New York Times

Others are moving to less desirable parts of the city.

The New York Times

But the suspicion of vision is less desirable.

The Economist

Or transfers end up in less desirable dorms.

The New York Times

But Britain is also exceptional in a less desirable way.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "less desirable" to describe aspects of a situation that are not ideal, but still tolerable or manageable.

Common error

In formal contexts, avoid overuse. Opt for more precise language like "suboptimal" or "disadvantageous" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less desirable" functions as a comparative adjective phrase. It modifies a noun by indicating that it possesses fewer desirable qualities compared to another option or standard. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely applicable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "less desirable" is a grammatically sound and frequently used comparative adjective phrase. As indicated by Ludwig AI, it is acceptable for expressing a preference or judgment that something is not as attractive or suitable as another option. It sees frequent use in "News & Media" and "Science", making it versatile for various contexts. When using "less desirable", consider its neutral register and opt for more precise language like "suboptimal" in formal writing. Related phrases like "not as appealing" or "less favorable" can provide nuance. Overall, "less desirable" is a reliable and adaptable phrase for expressing comparative desirability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not as appealing

Focuses on attractiveness rather than overall desirability.

less attractive

Emphasizes diminished physical or aesthetic appeal.

not as advantageous

Highlights the reduced benefits or advantages.

less favorable

Indicates a more negative or unfavorable assessment.

suboptimal

Suggests something is below the best possible condition or outcome.

not preferred

Highlights a lack of preference compared to something else.

less ideal

Indicates something falls short of the ideal or perfect scenario.

not as popular

Focuses on reduced popularity or demand.

less satisfactory

Conveys a lower level of satisfaction or fulfillment.

second-rate

Implies lower quality or status.

FAQs

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

You can use "less desirable" to describe something that is not as appealing or advantageous as something else. For example, "Living in a rural area can be "less desirable" due to limited access to services".

What phrases can I use instead of "less desirable"?

Alternatives include "less attractive", "less favorable", or "suboptimal", depending on the specific context.

Which is correct: "less desirable" or "not desirable"?

"Less desirable" and "not desirable" are both grammatically correct, but "less desirable" implies a comparison, while "not desirable" simply indicates that something is undesirable.

What's the difference between "less desirable" and "undesirable"?

"Less desirable" suggests a comparative lack of desirability. "Undesirable" means completely unwanted or unacceptable. So something that is ""less desirable"" might still be acceptable, while something "undesirable" is not.