less knowledgeable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "less knowledgeable" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who has a lower level of knowledge or understanding about a particular subject compared to others. Example: "While she is less knowledgeable about the topic, she is eager to learn and improve her understanding."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

These experts have tremendous knowledge about the physical phenomena they study, but often are significantly less knowledgeable about scientific computing.

Computer Methods in Applied Mechanics and Engineering

At the same time, financial cutbacks have left the press less knowledgeable and more vulnerable.

The New York Times

Their words are deemed less interesting, less knowledgeable, less well formed, less worldly, and less worthy".

The Guardian - Books

That means there is potentially a less knowledgeable, less effective oversight from Congress".

The New York Times

But they also tend to be less knowledgeable, and more expensive, than internal candidates.

The New Yorker

This is the difference between Mr. Raiche's refined gardening and the plant gluttony of a less knowledgeable collector.

The New York Times

But those who said they hadn't thought much about their ideological leanings -- one in three people -- were appreciably less knowledgeable.

The New York Times

They don't, particularly with complex financial products being sold to customers who are far less knowledgeable than the people doing the selling.

The New York Times

What makes it a challenge is that every time you cross one of those boundaries, you become less of a specialist, less knowledgeable about specific issues.

The New York Times

Ironically, though, by paying attention to any given study, parents are more likely to end up more addled and less certain, even less knowledgeable, than they were before.

The New York Times

Generally, reporters find him more congenial but less knowledgeable about Washington than Fleischer, who worked on Capitol Hill for almost two decades.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "less knowledgeable", ensure you provide context or comparison to clarify the extent of the knowledge gap. For example, "less knowledgeable about recent policy changes than seasoned analysts".

Common error

Avoid using "less knowledgeable" without specifying the subject or area of knowledge. Vague statements can be misleading; always clarify what the person lacks knowledge about.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less knowledgeable" functions as a comparative adjective phrase. It's used to describe a state of having a reduced amount of knowledge compared to someone or something else. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "less knowledgeable" is a versatile comparative adjective phrase used to describe a relative lack of information or expertise. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used. Its frequency across various sources, including News & Media and Science, indicates its applicability in diverse contexts. While alternatives like "not as informed" or "lacking expertise" exist, "less knowledgeable" provides a balanced and neutral tone. When using the phrase, ensure to specify the subject matter to avoid vagueness. Mastering its usage enhances clarity and precision in communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not as informed

Indicates a lack of information, implying a lower level of knowledge.

lacking expertise

Focuses on the absence of specialized skill or knowledge in a particular area.

not as well-versed

Suggests a lack of familiarity or deep understanding of a subject.

less acquainted

Emphasizes a lack of familiarity or experience with something.

relatively uneducated

Highlights a lower level of formal education or general knowledge.

not particularly aware

Implies a lack of consciousness or understanding of specific information.

somewhat ignorant

Indicates a deficiency in knowledge, often implying a lack of awareness.

less enlightened

Suggests a lack of insight or understanding, often in a broader sense.

not fully cognizant

Highlights a lack of conscious knowledge or awareness.

comparatively unskilled

Focuses on the absence of developed abilities or proficiency.

FAQs

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

You can use "less knowledgeable" to compare someone's understanding to others, like "He is "less knowledgeable" about the subject than his peers".

What are some alternatives to "less knowledgeable"?

Alternatives include "not as informed", "lacking expertise", or "not as well-versed", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "least knowledgeable" instead of "less knowledgeable"?

"Least knowledgeable" implies a superlative degree, indicating the lowest level of knowledge among a group. "Less knowledgeable" is a comparative term used between two entities. You can use "least knowledgeable" when comparing more than two elements.

What is the difference between "less knowledgeable" and "uninformed"?

"Less knowledgeable" implies some existing knowledge, albeit limited, while "uninformed" suggests a complete lack of information on a subject. So "less knowledgeable" is less drastic of a statement.