less excellent

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "less excellent" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to compare the quality of something that is not as good as another, indicating a lower degree of excellence. Example: "While the first version of the report was excellent, the revised version is less excellent due to the missing data."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

Our talking became less excellent.

The New Yorker

It's not any less excellent care".

The New York Times

Citing the excellent things in "Umbrella" is easier than citing the less excellent.

The New York Times - Books

Who, honestly, would argue that Trading Places is less excellent than Out of Africa, for heaven's sake?

The Guardian - Film

Next Gorky wrote a series of plays and novels, all less excellent than his best earlier stories.

Britannica

Hanks has two films in the frame tonight: the excellent piracy drama Captain Phillips and the rather less excellent Disney biopic Saving Mr Banks.

The Guardian - Film

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

Saturday and Sunday afternoons boast a no-less excellent "Symphonic Balanchine" lineup, with "Western Symphony," "Symphony in 3 Movements" and "Symphony in C".

The New York Times - Arts

He possesses all the natural ability to have given us an English opera, and, instead, he affords us a little more-or-less excellent fooling".

Wikipedia

The debate over whether greatness is defined by an excellent shorter period (Sandy Koufax) or a less-excellent longer period (Warren Spahn) is endless.

The New York Times

Data quality in surveys and censuses can be improved by demanding nothing less than excellent fieldworker training and excellent quality control measures in the field.

Global Health Action

We spark them, give them a hard time and don't search for less than excellent.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "less excellent" when you want to indicate a clear comparison between two items or qualities, where one is notably superior to the other. Ensure the context provides a reference point for what is considered "excellent" to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

While "less excellent" is generally acceptable, avoid overusing it in highly formal or academic writing. Consider stronger, more precise alternatives such as "subpar" or "inferior" to convey a more professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less excellent" functions as a comparative adjective phrase. It modifies a noun by indicating that its quality is lower compared to something else. Ludwig's examples confirm its use in contrasting the quality of different items.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

25%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "less excellent" is a grammatically sound and frequently used comparative adjective phrase used to indicate that something is of a lower quality than something else. As Ludwig AI points out, its usage is acceptable and it appears most often in news, scientific and encyclopedia contexts. While versatile, be mindful of the tone, opting for stronger synonyms in highly formal environments. Remember to use precise language to clarify meaning and enhance the credibility of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not as excellent

Replaces "less" with "not as", providing a slightly more direct comparison.

inferior in quality

Substitutes "less excellent" with a more descriptive term focusing on quality.

of a lower standard

Indicates a reduced level of quality or achievement.

not quite as good

Uses a more informal and less direct comparison.

subpar

A concise term indicating performance below the expected level.

deficient in excellence

Emphasizes the lack of excellence using a more formal tone.

lacking in quality

Highlights the absence of desired quality.

not up to par

An idiomatic expression indicating something is not meeting expectations.

second-rate

Suggests something is of lower quality than the best.

not the best

A simple and direct way to express a lower level of quality.

FAQs

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

You can use "less excellent" to compare the quality of two things, indicating one is inferior to the other. For example, "While the sequel had moments of brilliance, overall it was "less excellent" than the original".

What are some alternatives to saying "less excellent"?

Alternatives include "not as excellent", "inferior in quality", or "of a lower standard". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired level of formality.

Is it grammatically correct to say "less excellent"?

Yes, "less excellent" is grammatically correct. It follows the standard comparative form for adjectives, using "less" to indicate a lower degree of the quality of excellence.

What's the difference between "less excellent" and "not excellent"?

"Less excellent" implies a comparison, suggesting something is of lower quality than something else. "Not excellent" simply states that something does not meet the standard of excellence, without making a direct comparison. It can also be written as "not excellent".