less intelligent

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "less intelligent" is grammatically correct and commonly used in written English.
It is used to compare the level of intelligence of two or more things or people, indicating that one is not as smart as the other. Example: The teacher praised the top students for their exceptional work, but criticized the less intelligent students for their lack of effort.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Philby was less intelligent.

The Guardian - Books

Lemurs are less intelligent than monkeys.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It was not that they grew less intelligent.

The Economist

Are blacks genetically predisposed to be less intelligent than whites?

The Economist

He was equally brutal and corrupt, but less intelligent.

The Economist

This is less intelligent, less interesting, more ITV.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

He replied: "Technology is not making people less intelligent.

The Guardian - Tech

"Local violence does not make children less intelligent," Sharkey says.

The New Yorker

Stalwarts are not necessarily less intelligent than Stars.

Harvard Business Review

PEOPLE in very poor countries are, on average, less intelligent than those in rich ones.

The Economist

Men regularly marry women who are younger, less intelligent, less educated.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing intelligence levels, be specific about the context. For instance, instead of stating "He is "less intelligent"", specify "He is "less intelligent" in mathematical reasoning but excels in creative writing".

Common error

Refrain from using the phrase in broad, sweeping statements about groups of people. Intelligence is multifaceted, and generalizations can be inaccurate and offensive. Instead, focus on specific skills or knowledge areas when making comparisons.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less intelligent" primarily functions as a comparative adjective phrase. It is used to describe something or someone as having a lower degree of intelligence compared to another. As supported by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and is often used for comparisons.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Encyclopedias

12%

Science

6%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

2%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "less intelligent" is a grammatically correct and commonly used comparative adjective phrase, as affirmed by Ludwig. It serves to compare the cognitive abilities of two or more entities, whether people, animals, or abstract concepts. While its usage is widespread across various sources like news outlets, encyclopedias, and scientific publications, it's crucial to exercise sensitivity due to its potential to offend. When using this phrase, specificity and context are key. Ludwig's examples highlight that "less intelligent" is best employed when clear comparisons are intended and sensitivity is assured. It should be avoided in broad generalizations, especially when describing entire groups of people.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not as bright

Emphasizes a lack of quick understanding or mental sharpness.

not as sharp

Focuses on a reduced capacity for keen thought or perception.

intellectually inferior

Indicates a lower position in terms of intellectual capacity.

cognitively challenged

A more sensitive term for reduced cognitive abilities.

slower on the uptake

Highlights a delayed understanding or response time.

dim-witted

Suggests a lack of intelligence, often with a negative connotation.

mentally deficient

A clinical term indicating significant cognitive impairment.

not the sharpest tool in the shed

An idiomatic expression for a lack of intelligence or common sense.

less astute

Highlights a reduced ability to accurately assess situations or people and turn this to one's advantage.

not particularly clever

A more polite way of indicating a lack of intelligence, implying that intelligence is not the person's defining trait.

FAQs

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

You can use "less intelligent" to compare the cognitive abilities of two subjects, as in: "Lemurs are "less intelligent" than monkeys." Ensure the comparison is clear and respectful.

What are some alternative phrases for "less intelligent"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "not as bright", "intellectually inferior", or "slower on the uptake".

Is it appropriate to describe someone as "less intelligent"?

While grammatically correct, describing someone as "less intelligent" can be perceived as insensitive. Consider using more specific and respectful language to describe differences in cognitive abilities or skills.

What's the difference between "less intelligent" and "unintelligent"?

"Less intelligent" implies a comparison, suggesting someone has lower cognitive abilities than another. "Unintelligent" is a more direct and potentially harsher term that suggests a general lack of intelligence. Using the former is generally preferable.