less prestigious

USAGE SUMMARY

"less prestigious" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to compare two things that have different levels of prestige. For example: "The small university was considered less prestigious than the large one in the city."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's not cheating, just less prestigious.

The Guardian

As well as in some less prestigious titles.

The New Yorker

Dissenting views nurtured in less prestigious schools were not considered.

The Economist

The Carter Family represented on this tour is less prestigious.

The New York Times

Mr Bhatti extrapolates that the situation must be worse at less prestigious institutions.

The Economist

They farmed out litigation to less prestigious firms derided as "specialists".

The New Yorker

The quiz has also helped Boggs find potential star clerks at less prestigious law schools.

The New Yorker

"In academia now it has become a less prestigious activity to be concerned about social reforms".

The New York Times - Arts

Mr. Roth, a former chairman of the less prestigious Governmental Affairs Committee, could head another panel.

The New York Times

The best-performing universities on social access are among the institutions usually regarded as less prestigious.

The Guardian

But Keswick believes placements with smaller, less prestigious labels can be more valuable.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing institutions or positions, use "less prestigious" to objectively indicate a difference in perceived status or value. For example, "Graduates from less prestigious universities may face challenges in the job market."

Common error

Avoid using "less prestigious" when the difference in status is negligible or subjective. Instead, use more neutral language to describe the characteristics of each option.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less prestigious" functions as a comparative adjective, modifying a noun to indicate a lower level of perceived status, importance, or authority. As indicated by Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used. It is used to differentiate between entities based on their reputation or standing.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Academia

25%

Science

18%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "less prestigious" is a grammatically sound and frequently used comparative adjective phrase that objectively denotes a lower level of status, reputation, or importance. Ludwig AI confirms that its usage is widespread across various fields, predominantly in news, academia, and scientific writing. It serves to differentiate between entities based on their perceived standing. When using this phrase, it's essential to avoid exaggeration and ensure that the comparison is relevant. Alternatives such as "less esteemed" or "lower tier" can provide similar meanings with slightly different connotations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

less esteemed

Focuses on a lower level of respect or admiration.

less reputable

Highlights a weaker standing in terms of good character or trustworthiness.

less distinguished

Emphasizes a lack of recognition or special qualities.

less illustrious

Underscores a reduced level of fame or glory.

of lower status

Directly refers to a reduced social or professional position.

of lesser standing

Indicates a lower rank or importance.

not as highly regarded

Highlights a lower level of positive opinion or assessment.

not as well-known

Focuses on a lower level of public awareness or recognition.

less celebrated

Emphasizes a reduced level of public praise or acknowledgement.

lower-tier

Implies placement in a less important or successful group.

FAQs

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

You can use "less prestigious" to compare the relative status of different entities, such as "A "less prestigious university" might offer smaller class sizes" or "A "less prestigious award" may not carry the same weight".

What are some alternatives to "less prestigious"?

Alternatives include "less esteemed", "less reputable", or "lower tier", depending on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "less prestigious" in formal writing?

Yes, "less prestigious" is appropriate for formal writing when you need to objectively compare the relative status of two or more entities. However, ensure the comparison is relevant and not unnecessarily disparaging.

What is the difference between "less prestigious" and "least prestigious"?

"Less prestigious" compares two items, while "least prestigious" identifies the single item with the lowest status among a group of three or more. For example, "This journal is less prestigious than that one", versus "This is the least prestigious journal in the field".