less dire for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "less dire for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that a situation is not as severe or serious for a particular subject or group. Example: "The new policy changes have made the economic outlook less dire for small businesses."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Cooling had failed at three reactors at a nuclear complex nearby, Fukushima Daini, although he said conditions there were considered less dire for now.

The New York Times

The bank said there were signs that its level of soured loans could have reached its peak, with the fourth quarter looking less dire for corporate clients.

Independent

On the surface, the consequences of failure would appear far less dire for Jennifer Capriati these days; and yet she remains as attached to desperation as an IV drip.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

But what about the less dire limitations, for example, those that affect your aesthetic perception?

Huffington Post

There are no exceptions for rape or incest, none for less dire medical threats or mental health.

The New York Times

In such cases, doctors proceed to search for less dire (and, it must be said, more mundane) diagnoses.

The New York Times - Health

Even "Moonshadow," his lullaby of Buddhist acceptance, carried with it the sting of longing for less dire times.

The New Yorker

Another program Mr. Giuliani announced yesterday was to study the creation of a 311 phone number for less dire emergencies, in an effort to eliminate unnecessary calls to the overburdened 911 system.

The New York Times

The Social Security trust fund, which finances the government's giant retirement program, is on track to run out of reserves by 2041 — less dire than the outlook for Medicare but still not sustainable without raising taxes or cutting benefits.

The New York Times

Both sets of herders seem to make more of their decisions based on rainfall and forage growth after the drought when regional parcels are less crowded and conditions less dire, making it easier for families to negotiate access or find the required labour to migrate.

Pastoralism

Just as you and I are looking back and not finding any, people would be using this as a precedent for much less dire situations".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "less dire for", ensure you clearly specify what the situation is less dire for. This provides context and clarity to your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "less dire" without specifying what it is less dire than. Saying "things are less dire" is vague; specify what the situation is less dire compared to, such as "The economic forecast is less dire than initially predicted."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less dire for" functions as an evaluative adjective phrase modifying a situation or condition. It indicates a relative decrease in severity or urgency, making it a comparative descriptor. According to Ludwig AI, this usage is correct and suitable for expressing reduced concern.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "less dire for" is a grammatically sound and contextually appropriate way to express that a particular situation or outcome is not as severe or critical for a specific subject. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this expression effectively conveys a reduced level of concern, often found in news, scientific, and business-related contexts. While the phrase is not overly common, it maintains a neutral to professional tone, making it suitable for objective and clear communication. To ensure clarity, it's important to specify the point of comparison. Using alternatives like "not as critical for" or "less severe for" can enhance the precision and impact of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not as critical for

Focuses on reducing criticality in relation to something, emphasizing the severity aspect.

not as serious for

Emphasizes the reduced level of seriousness in a particular situation.

less severe for

Highlights the reduced intensity or harshness of a condition.

not as grave for

Highlights that the situation isn't as deeply concerning or threatening.

not so critical for

Emphasizes the reduced urgency and essential nature of a condition.

not as alarming for

Indicates a decrease in the level of alarm or worry associated with a situation.

not so pressing for

Highlights the reduced urgency or need for immediate action.

not as acute for

Implies that the sharpness or intensity of a negative situation has lessened.

milder for

Suggests a softened or gentler impact compared to a previous or expected state.

somewhat improved for

Indicates a state of betterment or advancement in relation to the subject.

FAQs

How can I use "less dire for" in a sentence?

Use "less dire for" to indicate that a situation is not as severe or critical for a particular subject. For example, "The economic outlook is "less dire for" small businesses after the new policy changes."

What's a formal alternative to "less dire for"?

In formal contexts, consider using phrases like "not as critical for" or "less severe for" to convey a similar meaning with a more professional tone.

How does "less dire for" compare to "dire for"?

"Less dire for" indicates an improvement or reduced severity compared to a situation that is "dire for", which means extremely serious or urgent.

Is it always necessary to specify what "less dire for" is comparing to?

Yes, to avoid ambiguity, it's best to specify the point of comparison. For example, instead of saying "The situation is less dire", clarify with "The situation is "less dire than expected"".