less pleasurable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "less pleasurable" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that provides a lower level of enjoyment or satisfaction compared to something else. Example: "The movie was entertaining, but the sequel was less pleasurable than the original."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

46 human-written examples

Because limiting the size of sodas curtails these less pleasurable sips, Mayor Bloomberg's proposal may improve our pleasure-to-calorie (and pleasure-to-coin) ratio, an overlooked benefit in the heated debate about the consequences of such initiatives for our freedom and our health.

The New York Times

If the scale of pleasures is the only scale of good, however, and if the agents in this case have the wisdom to calculate correctly the pleasure the agents may reasonably expect from each choice, then they cannot be led by pleasure to choose the worse, or less pleasurable course.

SEP

It is obvious and no less pleasurable for it.

The New York Times - Food

It is also likely to make watching "The Apprentice" at least a little less pleasurable.

The New York Times

Interestingly, ayahuasca was rated as being stronger, but also less pleasurable.

Nature

But even tasting wine for a living has been less pleasurable in 2008.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

14 human-written examples

Laboratory studies measuring what sufferers actually experience when confronted with pleasurable stimuli, have shown however, that patients do not experience less pleasure than control subjects [ 14].

BMC Psychiatry

After just two weeks on an S.S.R.I., both said that while sex was less intensely pleasurable, no emotional crash followed.

The New York Times - Health

It's a little like sex, in that he feels himself in another medium, but it's less obviously pleasurable, and clearly not sensual.

The New Yorker

It's never less than pleasurable to read and there are good jokes and funny situations; it's just that it never tries to be much more than good jokes or funny situations.

The Guardian - Books

"Let's go, Celtics!" the more rowdy among them derided Pitino, reminding him of his less-than-pleasurable stay in Boston.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing experiences, use "less pleasurable" to subtly indicate a decrease in enjoyment without being overly negative. It's more nuanced than simply stating something was 'unpleasant'.

Common error

Avoid using "less pleasurable" in situations demanding stronger, more direct language. For instance, describing trauma or severe discomfort requires more impactful words than "less pleasurable". Instead you can use terms like "painful" or "distressing".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less pleasurable" functions as a comparative adjective phrase, modifying a noun to indicate a reduced level of enjoyment or satisfaction. Ludwig examples show its use in various contexts to describe experiences, activities, or even characteristics that are not as enjoyable as alternatives. Ludwig AI indicates that the expression is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

23%

Academia

11%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "less pleasurable" is a versatile and frequently used expression to indicate a reduced level of enjoyment or satisfaction. As shown by Ludwig, it is grammatically sound and widely accepted across various contexts, from academic writing to news reporting. Its neutral tone makes it suitable for describing subjective experiences without being overly negative. When writing, remember that it is more nuanced than the term "unpleasant" and avoid using "less pleasurable" in contexts that needs to be more impactful.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

less enjoyable

Direct synonym, emphasizing the reduction in the quality of being enjoyable.

not as pleasant

Focuses on the reduced agreeableness or delightfulness.

less satisfying

Highlights the decrease in fulfillment or contentment.

less agreeable

Emphasizes a reduction in the quality of being pleasing or acceptable.

more unpleasant

Shifts the focus to the negative aspect of the experience.

less delightful

Highlights a reduction in the feeling of great pleasure or joy.

not as gratifying

Focuses on the reduced sense of reward or satisfaction.

less appealing

Indicates a decrease in attractiveness or desirability.

not to my taste

Indicates a lack of personal preference or enjoyment.

somewhat disappointing

Emphasizes the feeling of unmet expectations.

FAQs

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

You can use "less pleasurable" to describe an activity or experience that is not as enjoyable as another. For example: "Watching TV is "less pleasurable" than reading a good book".

What are some alternatives to "less pleasurable"?

Alternatives include "less enjoyable", "not as pleasant", or "more unpleasant", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "less pleasurable"?

Yes, "less pleasurable" is grammatically correct. It's a standard way to compare the degree of pleasure derived from different experiences or activities.

What's the difference between "less pleasurable" and "unpleasant"?

"Less pleasurable" indicates a milder reduction in enjoyment compared to "unpleasant". "Unpleasant" suggests a negative or disagreeable experience, while "less pleasurable" simply means not as enjoyable as something else.