less favourable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "less favourable" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It is typically used to compare two options or situations, where one is more positive or desirable than the other. Example: "The new job offer was less favourable than her current position, so she decided to stay with her current company."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Race day was less favourable.

The Guardian - Sport

Their oil industries have less favourable costs.

The Economist

Violet's opinion was even less favourable.

The Economist

Her first impressions were less favourable.

The Guardian - Film

There is a less favourable possibility.

The Guardian

Some voters, though, made less favourable comparisons.

The Guardian

But economic circumstances are much less favourable for him.

The Guardian - Business

And they may well get less favourable still.

The Guardian - Business

"People are less favourable to this idea," Gaillard said.

The New York Times

The context now is immeasurably less favourable than then.

The Guardian

"We were painted in a less favourable light," he says.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "less favourable", ensure you clearly define what you are comparing it to. This provides context and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "less favourable" without specifying the alternative. For example, instead of saying "The conditions were less favourable", specify "The conditions were less favourable compared to last year".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less favourable" functions primarily as a comparative adjective phrase. It modifies a noun by indicating that it possesses a quality to a lesser degree than something else. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating its use in comparing conditions, opinions, and outcomes.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Formal & Business

7%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "less favourable" is a common and grammatically sound comparative adjective phrase used to express that something is not as desirable or advantageous as something else. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage. With examples drawn from sources like The Guardian, The Economist, and Encyclopedia Britannica, the phrase appears most frequently in news, scientific, and encyclopedic contexts. When using "less favourable", ensure you clearly define the basis of your comparison to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives include "less advantageous" or "less desirable", offering subtle differences in emphasis. Therefore, this phrase is a valid option.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

less advantageous

Focuses on the reduced benefit or gain compared to something else.

less desirable

Emphasizes the reduced appeal or preference compared to an alternative.

less optimal

Highlights the reduced effectiveness or suitability for a particular purpose.

less promising

Suggests a reduced likelihood of a positive outcome or success.

less suitable

Indicates a reduced appropriateness or fitness for a specific situation.

less fortunate

Highlights the reduced luck or good fortune associated with a situation.

not as good

A simpler and more direct way to express a negative comparison.

worse off

Focuses on the negative impact or disadvantage of a situation.

at a disadvantage

Highlights the state of being in a less favorable position.

in a weaker position

Focuses on the reduced strength or power in a given context.

FAQs

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

You can use "less favourable" to compare two options or situations, indicating that one is less desirable or advantageous than the other. For example: "The terms of the new contract were "less favourable" than the previous one".

What are some alternatives to saying "less favourable"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "less advantageous", "less desirable", or "less optimal".

Is it "less favorable" or "less favourable"?

"Less favourable" is the British English spelling, while "less favorable" is the American English spelling. Both are grammatically correct, but choose the spelling appropriate for your audience.

What's the difference between "less favourable" and "unfavourable"?

"Less favourable" implies a comparison, indicating that something is not as good as something else. "Unfavourable", on the other hand, simply means not good or negative, without necessarily implying a comparison.