less economical

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "less economical" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when comparing the cost-effectiveness or efficiency of two or more options, indicating that one option is not as economical as another. Example: "While the new model has advanced features, it is less economical than the previous version in terms of fuel consumption."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

48 human-written examples

Even less economical was sheep intestine.

The New York Times - Sports

But Mr. Pepelyaev is less economical onstage.

The New York Times - Arts

One is less economical and the other is less sustainable.

The New York Times - Magazine

It had been replacing malbec, which is less economical to grow.

The New York Times - Food

It was fast, but too repetitive, and less economical than had been hoped.

The Guardian - Arts

His pictures became less daring in conception and less economical in means.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

11 human-written examples

"Economical runners perform better than less-economical runners.

The New York Times

With the planet's population heading ever more rapidly towards the seven billion mark (we'll get there in October) and an ever-less-economical reliance on meat, farmed insects might just provide an answer.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

This finding would not necessarily rule out the energy hypothesis for the origins of bipedalism [34], but would suggest that early bipeds were less energetically economical than modern humans.

Plosone

Based on a given case in a Dutch hospital, we mainly focus on personal preferences and less on economical preferences, because patient and personnel satisfaction is highly important in the Netherlands due to shortage of personnel and competition between hospitals.

Health Care Management Science

As a director – in charge of the general design and concept – Khitruk developed a freer, less lush, more economical and more contemporary art style than the naturalistic graphic look and sentimentality of Disney.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing options, clearly state what specific aspect is "less economical", such as fuel consumption, maintenance costs, or overall investment.

Common error

Avoid stating that something is "less economical" without specifying the context. Provide details about the specific area where costs are higher, such as "less economical in the long run due to higher repair expenses".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less economical" functions as a comparative adjective phrase. It describes something that is not as efficient or cost-effective as another option. As Ludwig AI points out, it is grammatically correct and usable in English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

35%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "less economical" is a grammatically sound and relatively common way to express that something is not as cost-effective or efficient as something else. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage. It is most frequently found in news, scientific, and encyclopedia sources, and has a neutral to formal register. When using the phrase, it's important to specify what aspect is "less economical" to provide a clear understanding of the comparison. Alternatives include ""less cost effective"", "more expensive", and "less efficient", depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

less cost-effective

Focuses specifically on the relationship between cost and effectiveness.

less efficient

Highlights the reduced efficiency in terms of resource utilization.

less budget-friendly

Emphasizes the impact on budget limitations.

more expensive

Directly refers to a higher price or cost.

less advantageous financially

Indicates that an option is not as beneficial from a financial standpoint.

more wasteful

Indicates a higher level of resource consumption or expenditure.

less thrifty

Emphasizes the lack of careful management of resources.

more high-priced

Focuses on the fact of being more expensive than another thing.

more extravagant

Suggests a lavish or luxurious approach, implying higher costs.

less profitable

Highlights the reduced profitability of a business decision.

FAQs

What does "less economical" mean?

The phrase "less economical" indicates that something is not as efficient or cost-effective as another option. It suggests a higher expense or a poorer use of resources.

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

You can use "less economical" to compare two options, such as: "While the hybrid car is environmentally friendly, it can be "less cost effective" due to its higher initial price."

What's the difference between "less economical" and "less expensive"?

"Less expensive" simply means costing less money. "Less economical", however, implies a broader consideration of costs, including factors like efficiency, maintenance, and long-term value, not just the initial price.

What are some alternatives to saying "less economical"?

Alternatives include ""less cost effective"", "less efficient", "more expensive", or "more wasteful", depending on the specific aspect you want to emphasize.