less eager

USAGE SUMMARY

"less eager" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to compare the level of eagerness between two things or people, indicating that one is not as eager as the other. Example: John was less eager to attend the concert than his sister, who had been waiting for months to see her favorite band perform live.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

It was less eager to show off other features.

The New York Times

Chinese consumers tend to be less eager shoppers.

The New York Times

Johnson seemed less eager to single out Trump.

The New Yorker

It also makes companies less eager to cooperate on technology standards.

The New York Times

(They are less eager to engage on "wedge issues" like abortion).

The New York Times

Once upon a time, however, he was no less eager to overturn term limits.

The New York Times

He's less eager to discuss the past, when that same journey took 30 days.

The New York Times

Dennis is no less eager to grow meat than his colleagues.

The New Yorker

The players were even less eager to talk about their shrinking division lead.

The New York Times - Sports

Other foreign companies seem less eager to enter the Indian market even after the recent changes.

The New York Times

Belichick is quite a bit less eager to talk to the media after a defeat.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "less eager", ensure the context clearly indicates what the subject is less eager than or to do.

Common error

Avoid using "less eager" without a clear point of comparison. Saying "He is less eager" is incomplete. Instead, specify what he is less eager to do or than whom.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less eager" functions as a comparative adjective phrase. It modifies a noun or pronoun to indicate a lower degree of eagerness compared to something else. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a correct and usable phrase. Numerous examples on Ludwig illustrate this function in real-world contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

6%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "less eager" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase for expressing a reduced level of enthusiasm or willingness, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It commonly appears in News & Media and Formal & Business contexts. When using this phrase, ensure a clear comparison point to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives include "not so keen" or "somewhat reluctant", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. It's important to note that "less eager" functions as a comparative adjective phrase and maintains a neutral register.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not as enthusiastic

Directly expresses a reduced level of enthusiasm.

unenthusiastic

A straightforward way to express a lack of excitement or eagerness.

not so keen

Indicates a lower level of enthusiasm or interest.

disinclined

Formally expresses a lack of willingness or desire.

somewhat reluctant

Suggests a degree of hesitation or unwillingness.

unwilling

Expresses a lack of willingness to do something.

not particularly inclined

Indicates a lack of strong desire or motivation.

hesitant

Highlights a pause or reservation before acting or agreeing.

lukewarm

Implies a lack of passion or strong interest.

not in the mood

Indicates a temporary lack of desire or motivation.

FAQs

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

You can use "less eager" to show a reduced level of enthusiasm compared to something else. For example, "She was "less eager" to go to the party after hearing who else was attending."

What are some alternatives to saying "less eager"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "not as enthusiastic", "somewhat reluctant", or "disinclined".

Is it correct to say "least eager" instead of "less eager"?

While both are grammatically correct, "least eager" implies the lowest level of enthusiasm among a group, while "less eager" compares two specific instances or subjects.

What's the difference between "less eager" and "less enthusiastic"?

The phrases are very similar. "Less eager" implies a reduced desire or willingness, while "less enthusiastic" specifically relates to a diminished feeling of excitement or passion. The choice depends on which nuance you want to emphasize.