less notorious

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "less notorious" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when comparing the level of notoriety or fame of two subjects, indicating that one is not as well-known or infamous as the other. Example: "While the first criminal was infamous for his violent acts, the second was less notorious, having committed only minor offenses."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

The court also sentenced two less notorious Mubarak-era figures.

The New York Times

His less notorious but no less wanton successor, Milton Obote, is in Zambia.

The New York Times

Perhaps less notorious is the weakness of India's non-political institutions, and Ms Roy skewers most of them.

The Economist

The Mumbai mafia is no less notorious than Italian mafia, but because Hollywood has glamorized the Italian mafia, we hear so much about it.

The New York Times

But Mr. Hooper's film lacks the moral and philosophical dimensions of George Romero's no less notorious "Night of the Living Dead" of 1968: the curious genius of "Chainsaw" lies in its relentless superficiality and literalism.

The New York Times

While less notorious than Queens Boulevard, the 96th Street intersection has gained a dangerous reputation over the last year, largely because of a confusing mix of traffic signs and signals.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

Instead we wanted to provide a few less-notorious examples of soapbox orators who've altered history in both big and small ways.

Vice

Understanding why could shed light on the best way to manage both the opioid epidemic and this less-notorious one and help prevent or at least mitigate future crises.

Vice

"I would urge people to view her less as 'Notorious RBG' and more as simply Justice Ginsburg," he said.

The Guardian

Jeffrey Schwarz's irrepressibly affectionate biography of Harris Glenn Milstead concentrates less on the notorious shit-eating of Pink Flamingos than on the more interesting tale of a shy, bullied, misfit kid who became a much-adored alternative lifestyle role model.

The Guardian - Film

Mr Chirac's reluctance to cut a policy that benefits France to the tune of €3 billion ($3.6 billion) net, per year (only a bit less than Britain's notorious rebate) is understandable.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing two subjects, use "less notorious" to accurately reflect their relative levels of notoriety. Ensure the context clearly establishes what the subject is less notorious than.

Common error

Avoid using "less notorious" when describing a single subject in isolation. The phrase implies a comparison, so ensure there's a clear reference point for what the subject is less notorious than.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less notorious" functions as a comparative adjective phrase, modifying a noun to indicate a reduced degree of notoriety compared to another entity or standard. As supported by Ludwig, the phrase is used correctly across different sources.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Encyclopedias

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "less notorious" is a grammatically sound and commonly used comparative adjective phrase. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage across diverse sources. It effectively contrasts levels of notoriety, finding frequent application in news, encyclopedic content and science. When using this phrase, ensure there's a clear point of comparison. Alternatives such as "less famous" or "less well-known" can be employed to fine-tune the intended meaning. Remember to avoid using "less notorious" without a direct comparison. By keeping these points in mind, you can confidently incorporate "less notorious" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not as notorious

A direct comparison indicating a lower degree of notoriety.

less infamous

Specifically targets a reduced level of negative reputation.

less well-known

Focuses on the lack of general awareness or familiarity.

less famous

Highlights a lower level of widespread recognition.

not especially well-known

Stresses a lack of widespread recognition or familiarity.

not so well-known

Emphasizes that something is not widely recognized.

not particularly famous

Highlights the absence of significant fame or celebrity.

less distinguished

Emphasizes a lower level of recognition or eminence.

relatively unknown

Implies a state of being largely unrecognized or obscure.

somewhat obscure

Indicates a level of hiddenness or lack of prominence.

FAQs

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

Use "less notorious" to compare the degree of notoriety between two subjects. For example, "While Al Capone was a notorious gangster, his brother was "less notorious"."

What's the difference between "less notorious" and "notorious"?

"Notorious" describes someone or something widely known for negative reasons. "Less notorious" indicates a lower degree of negative fame compared to something else. For example, someone might be "notorious" for a major crime, while another is "less notorious" for a minor offense.

What can I say instead of "less notorious"?

You can use alternatives like "less famous", "less well-known", or "less infamous" depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to use "less notorious"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. The phrase follows standard comparative adjective construction and is widely used in formal and informal contexts.