less favoured

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "less favoured" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe individuals, groups, or things that are not given as much preference or support compared to others. Example: "In many societies, the less favoured often struggle to access basic resources and opportunities."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

45 human-written examples

But the study finds that "there are no significant differences in subsequent performance between those styles favoured by investors and those less favoured".What explains this selection failure?

The Economist

For we feel less favoured than ever.

The Guardian - Opinion

Wolsey's secretary, less favoured, but higher born (played, slimily, by Mark Gattis), sneers at him.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

The cuts in less favoured areas will be announced after a council meeting on 15 December.

The Guardian

This might be unfair on other cities less favoured with the chancellor's acquaintance and patronage.

The Guardian

This is the rationale for such extra subsidies as less favoured area payments.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

15 human-written examples

Some take "reverse commutes" on buses that shuttle workers from the less-favoured spots to the wealthier upstart communities.

The Economist

Or should we decide, they wonder, that even the apparently less-favoured species we are wiping out deserve to be preserved.

The Guardian

And it is not just confined to England's less-favoured regions, where backbench Labour critics of the Blairite project had been getting more vocal by the day.

The Guardian

Alan Brownjohn London While your editorial celebrates Roger Wright's contributions to Radio 3, it fails to mention the less-favoured changes that Wright wrought.

The Guardian

Sony quietly pushed two of its less-favoured children into cinemas at the weekend, releasing both Risen and Rock the Kasbah.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "less favoured", consider the specific context to determine if a more precise term like "disadvantaged" or "underprivileged" might be more appropriate to convey the intended nuance.

Common error

While acceptable, "less favoured" can sometimes sound euphemistic in formal contexts. Opt for more direct and specific language, such as "disadvantaged" or "under-resourced", to avoid ambiguity and maintain clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less favoured" functions primarily as an adjective phrase, modifying nouns to indicate a state of being disadvantaged or less preferred. As noted by Ludwig, it's generally acceptable and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "less favoured" is a grammatically sound and frequently used adjective phrase for denoting disadvantage or reduced preference. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's suitable for various writing contexts, particularly in news, scientific, and formal communications. While "less favoured" enjoys broad applicability, opting for more precise terms like "disadvantaged" or "underprivileged" can often enhance clarity and impact. Bear in mind the specific nuances you want to convey to select the most appropriate phrasing. Considering the context will help make informed decisions to describe situations effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

less preferred

Focuses on a preference rather than an advantage, implying a choice was made.

less fortunate

Emphasizes luck and circumstance, suggesting a lack of good fortune.

underprivileged

Highlights socioeconomic disadvantage and limited opportunities.

disadvantaged

Broadly indicates a lack of advantage or opportunity.

less privileged

Similar to underprivileged, but emphasizes societal privilege.

less supported

Highlights the lack of backing or assistance.

less promoted

Indicates a lack of advancement or recognition.

less esteemed

Emphasizes a lower level of respect or admiration.

less valued

Highlights the lack of perceived worth or importance.

less successful

Focuses on a lack of positive outcomes or achievements.

FAQs

What does "less favoured" mean?

The phrase "less favoured" describes a state of being at a disadvantage, or not being given as much preference or support as others. It's often used to refer to individuals, groups, or regions that experience some form of hardship or lack of opportunity.

What are some alternative phrases to "less favoured"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "disadvantaged", "underprivileged", "less fortunate", or "less preferred".

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

You can use "less favoured" to describe areas, groups, or individuals who do not receive as much support or benefit as others. For example: "The government implemented policies to support less favoured areas." or "The charity focuses on helping the less favoured members of society."

Is "less favoured" the same as "least favoured"?

While both phrases indicate a lack of preference, "less favoured" suggests a relative disadvantage compared to others, whereas "least favoured" implies the lowest level of preference or support among all options. "Least favoured" suggests a stronger degree of negativity.