less desirable than

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "less desirable than" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to compare the desirability of two or more things, indicating that one is not as appealing as the other. Example: "The new model is less desirable than the previous version due to its higher price and fewer features."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

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

The New York Times - Magazine

Moreover, some low-information voting strategies are viewed as less desirable than simply abstaining.

Yale University

Regional German accents were seen as less desirable than standard German, despite the same being said.

Cornell University

In every other way, however, the Cavendish was less desirable than the Gros Michel.

The New Yorker

There may be no gig less desirable than the Super Bowl halftime show.

The New Yorker

Its poets considered originality less desirable than perfection of language and tone.

Encyclopedia Britannica

However, the likelihood of clogging makes sand filters less desirable than woodchip filters.

Water Research

And that can make a designer wallet seem a lot less desirable than a customized pair of jeans.

The New York Times

Manual records, while less desirable than electronic medical records, are a fraction of the cost in the short run.

The New York Times

Funding studies or data collection is rare, and foundations generally see them as less desirable than current social services.

Harvard Business Review

The comments represent the latest evidence that Trump views certain countries' inhabitants as less desirable than others.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "less desirable than", ensure that the comparison is clear and specific. Avoid vague comparisons and provide context for why one thing is less desirable than the other. For example, instead of saying "Option A is less desirable than option B", specify "Option A is less desirable than option B because it is more expensive and offers fewer features."

Common error

Avoid using "less desirable than" in contexts where objectivity is crucial. For instance, in scientific writing, rely on measurable data and avoid phrasing that suggests personal preference. Instead of "Method A is less desirable than Method B", state "Method A resulted in 20% lower yields compared to Method B".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less desirable than" functions as a comparative, used to express that one option or thing is not as appealing or advantageous as another. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. This construction highlights a preference or value judgment.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Academia

24%

Science

24%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "less desirable than" is a grammatically sound and frequently used comparative construction, as verified by Ludwig AI. It serves to express a preference or judgment that one option is not as appealing or advantageous as another. This phrase is versatile, appearing in various contexts, including news, academic research, and scientific publications. While alternatives like "less preferable than" or "not as good as" exist, the choice often depends on the specific nuance and context required. Writers should ensure clear comparisons and avoid overuse in purely objective contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

less preferable than

Focuses on preference rather than general desirability.

less appealing than

Emphasizes attractiveness and subjective preference.

not as good as

A simpler, more direct way to express lower quality.

inferior to

Indicates a lower rank or quality in a more formal tone.

worse than

Focuses on the negative aspects of the first item compared to the second.

not as advantageous as

Highlights the lack of benefits compared to something else.

less valuable than

Emphasizes the lower worth or importance.

not as beneficial as

Highlights the lack of positive outcomes.

second-rate compared to

Uses an idiom to describe something of lower quality.

suboptimal relative to

Indicates that something is not the best choice when compared to another option.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "less desirable than"?

You can use alternatives like "less preferable than", "less appealing than", or "inferior to" depending on the context.

How to use "less desirable than" in a sentence?

Use "less desirable than" to compare two or more options, indicating that one is not as favorable as the other. For example, "A longer commute is less desirable than a shorter one."

Which is correct, "less desirable than" or "not as desirable as"?

Both "less desirable than" and "not as desirable as" are grammatically correct and can be used interchangeably. The choice often depends on stylistic preference.

What's the difference between "less desirable than" and "worse than"?

"Less desirable than" typically refers to preference or suitability, while "worse than" indicates a lower quality or more negative outcome. For example, a longer commute might be "less desirable than" a shorter one, while a broken car is simply "worse than" a working car.