less favorable

USAGE SUMMARY

"less favorable" is correct and can be used in formal written English.
For example: "While the results of the survey were promising, they were still less favorable than expected."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Other hospital transfers have less favorable outcomes.

The New York Times

The farm aid map is less favorable for Democrats.

The New York Times

Certainly the demography is becoming ever less favorable for Republicans.

The New York Times

The family's political fortune was less favorable; two members failed as presidential candidates.

The New York Times

Even Barclays says that the terms may very well be "less favorable" than the current ones.

The New York Times

None of us can say how, under less favorable circumstances, we might have turned out.

The New Yorker

"Fairness requires that the tax code not single out certain investors for less favorable treatment".

The New York Times

Others will take at face value the less favorable consequences of both cynicism and commercialization.

The New York Times

"It is apparent that economic outlook will be somewhat less favorable than we expected".

The New York Times

In addition, he said, the survey found that teenagers have a less favorable view of smoking.

The New York Times

That rule does not allow an investor to choose a less favorable price on another market.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "less favorable", consider the specific aspect that is less desirable. This adds precision to your writing. For instance, instead of just saying "the conditions were less favorable", specify "the economic conditions were less favorable for investment".

Common error

Avoid using "less favorable" as a vague euphemism to soften bad news without providing context. Instead, be direct about the specific negative aspects to maintain transparency and credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less favorable" functions as a comparative adjective phrase, modifying a noun to indicate a reduced degree of desirability or positivity. Ludwig's examples showcase its use in describing outcomes, conditions, and opinions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Science

31%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Academia

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "less favorable" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to express a comparative assessment of desirability or positivity. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is appropriate for formal written English. The phrase is most frequently encountered in news, scientific, and business contexts, indicating its versatility across various domains. When using "less favorable", ensure you are specific about what aspect is less desirable and avoid using it as a vague euphemism. Consider alternatives such as "less advantageous" or "less desirable" to fine-tune your message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

less advantageous

This alternative directly replaces "favorable" with "advantageous", focusing on the reduced benefits.

less desirable

This phrase shifts the focus to the reduced level of desirability or preference.

not as beneficial

This option emphasizes the reduced benefits or positive outcomes.

less promising

This suggests a lower likelihood of a positive outcome or success.

less optimistic

This term conveys a reduced sense of hope or positive expectation.

more challenging

This alternative focuses on the increased difficulty or obstacles involved.

more difficult

This alternative focuses on the increased hardship or obstacles involved.

not as good

This is a simpler, more direct way of saying something is not as positive.

suboptimal

This implies that the situation is below the ideal or best possible level.

less fortunate

This phrase suggests a lack of good luck or positive circumstances.

FAQs

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

You can use "less favorable" to describe situations, conditions, or outcomes that are not as desirable. For instance, "The economic forecast is "less favorable" than previously predicted", or "The terms of the agreement were "less favorable" for the smaller company".

What are some alternatives to "less favorable"?

Some alternatives include "less advantageous", "less desirable", "not as beneficial", or "less promising", depending on the specific context.

Is "less favorable" appropriate for formal writing?

Yes, "less favorable" is suitable for formal writing. It is a clear and professional way to express that something is not as desirable or positive as an alternative. However, ensure that your meaning is precise and contextually relevant.

What's the difference between "less favorable" and "unfavorable"?

"Less favorable" implies a comparison to something else, suggesting it is not as good as another option. "Unfavorable" simply indicates that something is not positive or is disadvantageous, without necessarily making a direct comparison.