less energetic

USAGE SUMMARY

"less energetic" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that doesn't have a lot of energy or enthusiasm, or to compare two things that have different energy levels. For example, "The dog was much less energetic after its surgery than it had been before."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Less energetic commuters file in behind them.

The New York Times

2. The Democratic base will be less energetic.

The Washington Post

As we've established, it's perfect for the less energetic holidaymaker.

The Guardian - Travel

The sun loungers and wide range of ice-cream flavours will please less energetic bathers.

The Guardian - Travel

After less energetic versions of "You and Me" and "Tuesday Heartbreak," the reinterpretations become more radical.

The New Yorker

Radio photons from mobiles, millions of times less energetic than X-rays, are like puffballs.

The Guardian

As the federal government becomes less energetic, city governments become more so.

The New York Times

Sure, that meant he was "less energetic" than he must have been in his younger years.

The New York Times - Magazine

Except this time, a little older and less energetic, Katy's not sure what she wants.

The Guardian - Music

The bidding was less energetic at the other table where Scotland sat East-West.

The Guardian - Sport

The women, never less energetic than the men, are enticing in the sambas.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "less energetic" to accurately depict a comparative reduction in vigor, as opposed to complete inactivity or exhaustion.

Common error

Avoid using "less energetic" when the intended meaning is complete absence of energy or inactivity. "Inactive" or "lethargic" might be more appropriate if there's a near-total lack of energy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less energetic" functions primarily as a comparative adjective phrase. It modifies a noun, indicating a lower level of energy relative to something else. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is used to describe reduced vitality or activity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "less energetic" serves as a versatile comparative adjective phrase, effectively conveying a reduced state of vitality or activity. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and applicability across diverse contexts, including news, science, and academia. When aiming for clarity, consider that alternatives like "less lively" or "less enthusiastic" may provide nuanced variations. Be mindful not to use it when describing a complete absence of energy, as it implies a comparative reduction rather than total inactivity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

less vibrant

Focuses on a reduction in liveliness and vividness.

less enthusiastic

Highlights a decrease in zeal and eagerness.

less lively

Emphasizes a reduction in animation and activity.

less dynamic

Points to a decrease in forcefulness and effectiveness.

less active

Highlights reduced physical or functional activity.

less forceful

Focuses on a reduction in strength or intensity.

less assertive

Emphasizes a decrease in self-assuredness and confidence.

less robust

Indicates a decrease in health and strength.

less strenuous

Suggests a decrease in effort or exertion.

less aggressive

Focuses on a reduction in combative or assertive behavior.

FAQs

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

You can use "less energetic" to describe a state of reduced vitality or activity compared to a previous state or another entity. For example, "The patient was "less energetic" after the surgery."

What are some alternatives to "less energetic"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "less lively", "less enthusiastic", or "less dynamic".

When is it appropriate to use "less energetic" rather than "tired"?

"Less energetic" implies a general reduction in vigor, while "tired" suggests exhaustion or a need for rest. Use "less energetic" when referring to a sustained lower level of activity, and "tired" when describing a temporary state of fatigue.

Is "less energetic" the same as "low energy"?

While similar, "less energetic" is comparative, suggesting a decline from a previous state, whereas "low energy" describes a general state of having reduced energy levels. You might say, "He used to be vibrant, but now he is "less energetic"", or "He often experiences "low energy" in the afternoons."