less detectable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "less detectable" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing something that is harder to notice or perceive compared to something else. Example: "The new camouflage pattern makes the soldiers less detectable in the forest."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"There was a better chance of detecting them, but they were more dangerous — whereas these are less detectable but less dangerous".

Independent

The soldiers here have also suggested changes, like redesigning the field sensors to make them less detectable.

The New York Times

For people whose stomachs are infected with H. pylori, ghrelin became far less detectable after a meal.

The New Yorker

It's possible that teenagers are using pot in a much less detectable way".

Independent

A poetic style that is as individual and omnivorous as Walcott's has a tendency to render its subject matter less urgent and sometimes even less detectable.

The New Yorker

Al Qaeda no longer needs large sums of money to mount terror attacks and is consequently able to finance its actions in less detectable ways, the chairman of a United Nations sanctions-monitoring committee said Monday.

The New York Times

Red-carpet dermatology involves scalpel-free procedures that create more temporary and potentially less detectable changes than a facelift, including Botox injections to paralyze the muscles underlying wrinkles, filler injections to pad lips and facial creases, or lasers for brown spots and broken blood vessels.

The New York Times

A8 Al Qaeda Shrinks Money Trail Al Qaeda no longer needs large sums of money to mount terror attacks and is consequently able to finance its actions in less detectable ways, the chairman of a United Nations sanctions-monitoring committee said.

The New York Times

Canada is one of eight countries helping the United States build the fighter, which will be less detectable by radar than older planes and versatile enough to attack ground targets.

The New York Times

It remains to be seen whether the new approach will do better in curbing piracy, which is starting to evolve from BitTorrent downloads — currently the main vehicle of piracy — to streaming and other less detectable techniques.

The New York Times

Canada is one of eight countries that are helping the United States build the fighter, which will be less detectable by radar than older planes and versatile enough to attack ground targets.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing security measures or stealth technologies, use "less detectable" to emphasize the reduced likelihood of discovery by sensors or observers.

Common error

Avoid using "less detectable" when you mean "undetectable". The phrase implies a reduction in detectability, not a complete absence of it.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less detectable" functions primarily as a comparative adjective phrase. It modifies a noun by indicating that something has a reduced capacity to be detected, compared to a previous state or alternative object. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

35%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "less detectable" is a grammatically sound and frequently used comparative adjective phrase, predominantly found in scientific, news, and encyclopedic sources. As indicated by Ludwig AI, its primary function is to describe a reduction in the ease with which something can be noticed or discovered. When using this phrase, ensure that you are accurately conveying a reduction in detectability, rather than a complete absence thereof. Alternatives such as "harder to detect" or "less noticeable" can provide nuanced variations in meaning. By understanding these subtleties, you can effectively communicate the desired level of imperceptibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

harder to detect

Emphasizes the increased difficulty in the act of detection.

more difficult to perceive

Focuses on the challenge in sensory perception.

less noticeable

Highlights the reduced prominence or visibility.

hardly perceptible

Indicates a minimal level of perceptibility.

subtler to identify

Suggests a refined approach is required for identification.

fainter

Implies a lower intensity or weaker signal.

obscured

Indicates the presence of something that blocks or hides the object.

camouflaged

Highlights the use of concealment techniques.

veiled

Suggests a covering or masking effect.

under the radar

Implies avoiding attention or scrutiny.

FAQs

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

Use "less detectable" to describe something that is harder to notice or perceive compared to something else. For example, "The new camouflage pattern makes the soldiers "less detectable" in the forest".

What are some alternatives to "less detectable"?

You can use alternatives such as "harder to detect", "more difficult to perceive", or "less noticeable" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "undetectable" instead of "less detectable"?

"Undetectable" implies that something cannot be detected at all, whereas ""less detectable"" suggests it is more difficult but not impossible to detect. Choose the phrase that accurately reflects the situation.

In what situations is "less detectable" most appropriate?

It is most appropriate when describing improvements in stealth, security, or camouflage, where the goal is to reduce, but not eliminate, the possibility of detection. For example, describing how a new algorithm makes fraudulent transactions "less detectable".