less desire

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "less desire" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a reduction in the intensity or amount of desire for something. Example: "After reflecting on my priorities, I found that I have less desire to pursue a career in finance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's not that they have less desire for freedom.

The New York Times

He had even less desire than he had money.

The New York Times - Sports

"Little by little, I have less desire to go back to the US," she says.

Independent

And he has less desire to absent himself from the technology culture that so enthralls him.

The New York Times

"There was less desire to go to an all-Spanish theater in your backyard".

The New York Times

Blagojevich, however, seemed to have little grasp of public policy, and even less desire to learn it.

The New Yorker

Once a text is annotated, is there less desire to work on it by a new crop of readers?

The New York Times

… The more I see of Hitchcock's pictures, the less desire I have to see pictures other than his".

The New Yorker

"In the long run, there will be more, not less, desire for energy," said Omar Abbosh, a senior managing director at the consulting firm Accenture in London.

The New York Times

The tanners, questioned after each session, expressed less desire to tan after the real sessions, indicating they had gotten their fill.

The New York Times

In a culture that expects parents to be beholden to the needs of their children, mothers are not expected to demand, much less desire, time away.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a gradual change in motivation, use "less desire" to illustrate a decline in enthusiasm or willingness. For instance, "After the project delays, the team showed "less desire" to continue working overtime".

Common error

Avoid overusing "less desire" when a more specific term would be appropriate. For example, instead of saying someone has "less desire" to eat, consider specifying they have a decreased appetite or feel nauseous.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less desire" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the object of a verb. It describes a diminution or reduction in motivation, interest, or longing. Ludwig examples show its use in various contexts from personal feelings to broader social trends.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

43%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "less desire" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase that effectively communicates a reduction in motivation or interest. Ludwig AI confirms its broad applicability, supported by numerous examples from reputable sources such as The New York Times, The Economist, and BBC. While versatile, it's important to consider more specific alternatives to ensure precision. Whether describing personal feelings, societal trends, or scientific findings, "less desire" serves as a valuable tool for expressing diminished enthusiasm or willingness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reduced inclination

Indicates a weaker tendency or preference; more formal.

diminished interest

Implies a fading or decreased level of curiosity or enthusiasm.

waning appetite

Specifically refers to a decreasing hunger or eagerness, often in the context of food or other pleasures.

weakened craving

Suggests that an intense longing has become less powerful.

decreased longing

Highlights the reduction in a feeling of wanting something or someone.

minimal urge

Emphasizes the slightness or near absence of a compelling impulse.

fading passion

Signifies a decline in intense emotion or enthusiasm.

tempered enthusiasm

Indicates that excitement or eagerness has been moderated or controlled.

muted aspiration

Suggests that ambitions have become quieter or less pronounced.

slight aversion

Implies a mild dislike or reluctance.

FAQs

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

Use "less desire" to indicate a reduction in wanting something or a decrease in motivation. For example: "As the weather cooled, I had "less desire" to go swimming".

What are some alternatives to "less desire"?

You can use alternatives such as "reduced inclination", "diminished interest", or "waning appetite" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "less desire" or "lesser desire"?

"Less desire" is generally preferred and more commonly used. "Lesser desire" is grammatically correct but sounds more formal and is less frequently encountered.

What's the difference between "less desire" and "lack of desire"?

"Less desire" implies a decrease in wanting something, while "lack of desire" suggests a complete absence of wanting. For example, someone with "less desire" to exercise might still do it occasionally, while someone with a "lack of desire" would avoid it entirely.