less practical

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "less practical" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when comparing the practicality of two or more options, indicating that one option is not as practical as another. Example: "While the new design is visually appealing, it is less practical for everyday use compared to the previous model."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Academia

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And far less practical.

The Guardian - Books

He was less practical then, more dreamy.

The New Yorker

Méliès was no less practical.

The Guardian - Film

Other circumstances make Bangladesh a less practical supplier.

The New York Times

He honored a truth that less practical politicians often resisted.

The New York Times

There are less practical reasons for the shrine's longevity, too.

The New York Times

Instagram also pedalled some of this year's less practical trends.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

However, livestock farming and urban living make a less practical combination.

The Guardian

The reusable bins are less practical for interstate moves or moves to storage.

The New York Times

To be honest, though, I first wanted a breadbox for a less practical reason.

The New York Times - Food

Of course, less practical, novelty robots have fallen on even harder times in the downturn.

The New York Times - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When contrasting theoretical approaches with real-world applications, use "less practical" to emphasize the limitations of the theoretical approach in specific contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "less practical" when describing personal preferences or aesthetic choices, as practicality is often objective. Instead, opt for terms like "less appealing" or "less suitable" to reflect subjective viewpoints more accurately.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less practical" functions as a comparative adjective phrase. It modifies a noun by indicating a lower degree of practicality in comparison to something else. As evidenced by Ludwig, it commonly appears in contexts where different options or approaches are being evaluated.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

24%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Academia

7%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "less practical" is a frequently used comparative adjective phrase that assesses the feasibility or utility of something relative to another option. Ludwig's analysis affirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across diverse fields such as news, science, and business. While the phrase is generally neutral in register, it is best suited for contexts requiring reasoned evaluation. When employing "less practical", ensure clarity by specifying the alternative that is considered more practical. Avoid overuse in subjective contexts, opting instead for more descriptive terms like "less appealing" or "less suitable".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

less pragmatic

Highlights a reduced focus on practical considerations and real-world effectiveness.

less useful

Focuses on the diminished utility or benefit provided.

less feasible

Focuses on the achievability or possibility of something.

less applicable

Stresses the lack of relevance to a particular situation.

less viable

Highlights the capability of functioning successfully.

less serviceable

Emphasizes the lack of utility or function.

more unrealistic

Emphasizes the deviation from reality rather than usability.

more inefficient

Highlights a reduction in effectiveness and productivity.

more theoretical

Indicates a focus on concepts rather than real-world application.

more idealistic

Suggests a focus on ideals rather than what is realistically achievable.

FAQs

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

You can use "less practical" to compare the feasibility of different options. For example, "While the new design looks modern, it's "less practical" for everyday use than the previous model".

What are some alternatives to "less practical"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "less feasible", "less viable", or "more theoretical".

When is it appropriate to use "less practical" instead of "impractical"?

"Less practical" implies a comparison, suggesting one option is more feasible than another. "Impractical", on the other hand, indicates that something is not practical at all. For example, 'This approach is "less practical" than our current method' versus 'Building a bridge out of cardboard is "impractical"'.

What's the difference between "less practical" and "less efficient"?

"Less practical" refers to the feasibility or usefulness of something in a real-world situation, while "less efficient" refers to the amount of resources or time required to achieve a result. A solution can be "less practical" because it's too costly, while another might be "less efficient" because it takes too long.