less energy efficient

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "less energy efficient" is grammatically correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to compare two items or systems and indicate that one uses less energy than the other, making it less efficient in terms of energy consumption. Example: The older model of the refrigerator is less energy efficient than the newer one, resulting in higher energy bills.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

40 human-written examples

"We are two and half times less energy efficient than other comparative modern countries in Europe," said Vasily Belov, the executive director of the energy efficiency cluster at the Skolkovo Foundation, a government-sponsored science park.

The New York Times

"The older the refrigerator the less energy efficient it is," he added.

The New York Times - Tech

Russian companies were 10 to 20 times less energy efficient than their foreign rivals, he said.

The New York Times

As a result, China is actually becoming even less energy efficient.

The New York Times

China uses more oil incrementally than the US because its growth is less energy efficient.

Independent

For example, is buying and reading a newspaper more or less energy efficient than accessing a number of articles online?

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

20 human-written examples

Microfluidic circuits are also less energy-efficient.

Harvard University

Vehicles will burn more fuel, and appliances will be less energy-efficient.

The New York Times

The less energy-efficient economies also tend to be the heaviest coal users.

The Economist

"Older people often have larger houses and less energy-efficient cars".

The New York Times

The process is less energy-efficient than water chilling, and the birds lose weight because of dehydration.

Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing the energy efficiency of two items, clearly state both items to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of saying "This is less energy efficient", say "This appliance is less energy efficient than that one".

Common error

Avoid using "less energy efficient" without providing context. It's important to specify what is being compared. Saying something is "less energy efficient" without a reference point lacks specific meaning. Instead, provide specific data or relative comparisons.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less energy efficient" functions as a descriptive adjective phrase. It modifies a noun, indicating that the noun possesses a lower degree of energy efficiency compared to something else. Ludwig provides various examples demonstrating this function.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

30%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "less energy efficient" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to compare items based on their energy consumption. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for various contexts, including news, science, and academic writing. The phrase's primary function is to describe something that uses more energy to perform the same task compared to something else, highlighting a deficiency in energy conservation. When using this phrase, be specific about what is being compared to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives like "energy inefficient", "wasteful of energy", and "poor energy performance" can offer subtle variations in meaning. Remember that while grammatically correct, the absence of context can render it meaningless, so make the comparison explicit.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

energy inefficient

A more concise way of saying "less energy efficient" with a slightly different structure.

not very energy efficient

Adds a degree of emphasis using "not very" before "energy efficient".

low energy efficiency

Directly states that the energy efficiency is low.

poor energy performance

Emphasizes the substandard performance in terms of energy use.

inefficient energy consumption

Highlights the consumption aspect, specifying that the consumption is inefficient.

energy-wasting

Focuses on the action of wasting energy, rather than a comparative lack of efficiency.

wasteful of energy

Indicates that energy is being used wastefully.

suboptimal energy use

Highlights that the energy use is not at its best possible level.

high energy consumption

Highlights that a significant amount of energy is being consumed.

energy-intensive

Describes a process or activity that requires a significant amount of energy.

FAQs

How can I use "less energy efficient" in a sentence?

You can use "less energy efficient" to compare the energy usage of two items, such as "The old air conditioner is "less energy efficient" than the new model".

What's a good substitute for "less energy efficient"?

Alternatives include "energy inefficient", "wasteful of energy", or "poor energy performance", depending on the context.

What makes something "less energy efficient"?

Something is "less energy efficient" if it requires more energy to perform the same task compared to another item. This could be due to outdated technology, poor design, or lack of maintenance.

Is it grammatically correct to say "less energy efficient"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. "Less" is used to compare the degree of efficiency between two items. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.