less preferable

USAGE SUMMARY

"less preferable" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is not as appealing an option when compared to something else. For example, "Taking a taxi is less preferable than using Uber for this ride."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

pint of conventional milk more or less preferable to organic milk in plastic cartons?

The Guardian

However, from the perspective of entrepreneurs and consumers, such caution can be a disaster or at least less preferable.

Columbia University

Simple income-support programmes, while alleviating the immediate problems of poverty, were considered less preferable to income-paying jobs.

The Guardian - Opinion

Citing anodyne research written by faraway experts to back up your actions is a less preferable strategy.

The New York Times - Health

The quartet who gave evidence argued that technological solutions to protecting privacy were necessarily limited and less preferable than introducing better policy checks and balances.

The Guardian

The continent's leaders, he said, must come to the realization that "killing each other is a lot less preferable to living with each other".

The New York Times

So the patient waits, without food, on adequate – but much less preferable – intravenous fluids until the nurse returns after the weekend.

The Guardian - Opinion

The pure lanthanum alumina sample was a mixture of the hexaaluminate LaAl11O18 phase and the less preferable perovskite LaAlO3 phase, which increased after ageing.

Catalysis Today

The user of the tool takes useful insights as regards the most preferable combinations of policy instruments, the less preferable ones and those who are conflicting.

Energy Policy

While the other organizations extolled their qualifications to implement the experimental design study plan, this firm tactfully and judiciously pointed out why the experimental design plan was less preferable than an alternative approach to the problem.

Harvard Business Review

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

As described in Current Biology, male mollies choose one female if they are alone, but alter their choice to a less-preferable female if another male is around.

The New York Times - Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "less preferable" when comparing two or more options where one is clearly not as desirable due to specific reasons. Be sure to clarify what makes the other option more preferable.

Common error

Avoid using "less preferable" without clearly stating what the alternative or comparison point is. For example, instead of saying "This method is less preferable", specify "This method is "less preferable" compared to the alternative X because of reason Y."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less preferable" functions as a comparative adjective phrase, modifying a noun by indicating that something is not as desirable or suitable as an alternative. Ludwig examples demonstrate its use in comparing various options across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

42%

News & Media

31%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Academia

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "less preferable" is a grammatically sound and frequently used adjective phrase to indicate that something is not as desirable as another option. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage and wide applicability. It is commonly found in scientific, news, and business contexts, denoting a comparative judgment. To ensure effective communication, always provide a clear comparison and specify the reasons why something is "less preferable". Alternatives include "less desirable" or "less suitable", offering slight variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

less desirable

Focuses on reduced desirability rather than preference.

less suitable

Emphasizes a reduced level of appropriateness for a specific purpose.

less favorable

Highlights a negative comparison in terms of conditions or outcomes.

not as good

Offers a simpler, more general way to express lower quality or desirability.

second best

Implies a ranking where another option is considered superior.

less appealing

Highlights the reduction in attractiveness or interest.

not the best option

States directly that the option is not optimal.

worse choice

Suggests that it could result in poorer outcome or situation.

less advantageous

Points out the lack of benefits or positive aspects in comparison to another.

lower priority

Suggests this aspect has to be considered with less importance.

FAQs

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

You can use "less preferable" to compare options, indicating one is not as desirable. For example: "While both options are viable, option A is "less preferable" due to its higher cost".

What are some alternatives to "less preferable"?

You can use alternatives like "less desirable", "less suitable", or "less favorable" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "less preferable" or "least preferable"?

"Less preferable" is used when comparing two options, while "least preferable" is used when comparing three or more. For instance, "Option A is "less preferable" than Option B", but "Among Options A, B, and C, Option A is the "least preferable"".

Is it redundant to say "less preferable"?

While "preferable" already implies a comparison, "less preferable" is not inherently redundant. It serves to explicitly state a negative comparison. However, ensure clarity by providing context for the comparison.