less intelligence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "less intelligence" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when comparing the intelligence levels of two or more subjects, indicating a lower degree of intelligence in one compared to another. Example: "The study found that the group exposed to less intelligence showed slower problem-solving skills."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

Will we have more cultured diligence and less intelligence?

The New Yorker

The less intelligence gathered, the greater the danger to all Americans, including New Yorkers.

The New York Times

The fewer successful FISA applications, the less intelligence can be gathered.

The New York Times

I would never assume that young people have less intelligence or experience than I do.

The Guardian

Aaron Paul is terrific as luckless addict Jesse Pinkman, a dropout with few morals and even less intelligence.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Rather, he said, the issue was whether interrogators got less intelligence from him than if he had been put in military detention.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

According to two Pakistani military officials, officers of a smaller, less powerful intelligence agency, the Military Intelligence Branch, then headed by Lt. Gen. Ehsanul Haq, had urged caution in allowing Mr. Sheikh to return, fearing that his years in an Indian jail might have turned him into an enemy agent.

The New York Times

Reminded that they are poor, individuals "showed less flexible intelligence, less executive control.

The Guardian - Books

In Chinese culture, the heroic scholar may possess less innate intelligence but triumphs over hardship.

The New York Times

There is also a less accountable intelligence service, which belongs to the Revolutionary Guard.

The New Yorker

They found that pacifier use correlated with less emotional intelligence in males, though it did not predict emotional processing skills in girls.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing groups, specify the context in which "less intelligence" is observed (e.g., "less intelligence in problem-solving").

Common error

Avoid using "less intelligence" to make sweeping generalizations about entire groups of people. Focus on specific skills or contexts where differences are observed, rather than implying overall intellectual inferiority.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less intelligence" functions as a descriptive phrase, typically used to indicate a lower degree of cognitive ability or understanding. As Ludwig AI shows, it appears across different contexts to draw comparisons or assessments of intellectual capacity.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "less intelligence" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed term used to indicate a diminished level of cognitive ability. As noted by Ludwig AI, it's most common in news, scientific, and encyclopedic contexts. While generally neutral in tone, it's important to avoid overgeneralization and consider more specific descriptors when discussing individuals with learning differences. Alternatives such as "lower intellect" or "reduced cognitive ability" may be more suitable depending on the context. Remember to use the phrase with precision and sensitivity to avoid unintended implications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lower intellect

Replaces "intelligence" with "intellect", maintaining a similar formal tone.

less intellectual capacity

Similar to 'limited intellect', but uses 'capacity' to stress the potential for mental activity.

limited intellect

Highlights the bounded nature of intellectual capabilities.

reduced cognitive ability

Uses more technical terms to describe a decline in mental capacity.

diminished mental capacity

Emphasizes the capacity for thought being limited or weakened.

decreased cognitive function

Emphasizes the decline in mental processes and tasks.

impaired cognition

Uses a formal tone to emphasize damaged or weakened cognitive processes

less acumen

Substitutes "intelligence" with "acumen", referring to sharpness and quickness in understanding and dealing with situations.

reduced understanding

Highlights the decrease in the ability to grasp concepts and situations.

lack of understanding

Focuses on the absence of comprehension or insight.

FAQs

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

You can use "less intelligence" to compare the intellectual capacity of two subjects or to describe a deficiency in cognitive function. For example: "The study showed that individuals with "less intelligence" struggled with abstract reasoning tasks."

What are some alternatives to "less intelligence"?

Alternatives include "lower intellect", "reduced cognitive ability", or "diminished mental capacity". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "less intelligence" when discussing individuals with learning disabilities?

While technically correct, it's often more sensitive and specific to describe the challenges faced by individuals with learning disabilities in terms of specific cognitive functions or skills, rather than using the broad term "less intelligence".

What is the difference between "less intelligence" and "lack of intelligence"?

"Less intelligence" implies a comparative deficit, while "lack of intelligence" suggests a complete absence. For example, one might say a student has "less intelligence" in mathematics compared to science, but someone in a coma has a "lack of intelligence".