less privileged than

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "less privileged than" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to compare the level of privilege between two or more groups or individuals, indicating that one has a lower status or fewer advantages. Example: "In our society, many children are less privileged than their peers, lacking access to quality education and healthcare."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

More privileged than some: less privileged than others.

Independent

She was generous towards her friends and relations, especially towards those who were less privileged than she was.

The New York Times

One Fleet Street hand recalls a "pleasant, emollient figure" on the fringes of Tory circles, "more thoughtful and less privileged than most".

The Guardian

Whatever the reason, it could become one more piece of distasteful physical labor that you can outsource to someone who is less privileged than you.

The New York Times

It was to their credit, you may say, that, recognising their limitations, they wanted an adviser who understood the thoughts and feelings of people less privileged than themselves.

The Guardian - Opinion

And the flight to Dakar, while one day in his life, was more than likely to be a heartfelt calling to give something to children who are far less privileged than he is.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

It's hard to think of a less privileged creation than the second novel.

The New York Times - Books

So has he had a less privileged upbringing than some people may suspect?

The Guardian

Vegetables hold a less privileged place than fruits, but supermarkets rarely stock produce that is at all irregular in shape or size.

The New Yorker

But every listener has a less privileged life than a presenter and so audiences shouldn't be troubled with this stuff.

The Guardian

Although he firmly opposes foxhunting and lovingly tends a famous collection of newts, Mr Livingstone's feeling for less privileged species than his own does not extend to the pigeons in Trafalgar Square.The mayor argues that the pigeons constitute a health risk, and that the square would be more fun without them.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "less privileged than", consider the specific context to ensure you accurately convey the nature of the disadvantage. For example, specify if it relates to economic status, social standing, or access to opportunities.

Common error

Avoid using "less privileged than" to make broad generalizations about entire groups of people. Acknowledge that individual experiences can vary significantly even within seemingly similar demographics.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less privileged than" functions as a comparative adjective phrase. It's used to indicate that one entity (person, group, etc.) has fewer advantages or opportunities compared to another. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Science

21%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

12%

Reference

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "less privileged than" is a comparative adjective phrase used to describe a disparity in advantages or opportunities. Ludwig AI analysis confirms that the phrase is grammatically sound and commonly used across various contexts, particularly in news and media, scientific research, and formal communication. To ensure accurate and sensitive usage, consider the specific context of the disadvantage and avoid broad generalizations. Alternatives such as "more disadvantaged than" or "less fortunate than" may be more appropriate depending on the intended nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

more disadvantaged than

Focuses on the lack of advantages, using 'disadvantaged' to emphasize the negative position.

less fortunate than

Emphasizes the role of luck or fate in the disparity.

worse off than

Highlights a poorer condition or state of being.

at a disadvantage compared to

Directly states the presence of a disadvantage in comparison.

in a less favorable position than

Focuses on the position or circumstances being less beneficial.

with fewer opportunities than

Specifically points to the lack of chances or possibilities.

lacking the advantages of

Highlights the absence of benefits or advantages.

experiencing greater hardship than

Emphasizes the difficulties and suffering faced.

in a more vulnerable situation than

Focuses on the increased risk and insecurity.

with fewer resources than

Highlights the limited availability of essential resources.

FAQs

How can I use "less privileged than" in a sentence?

Use "less privileged than" to compare the circumstances of individuals or groups. For example, "Children from low-income families are often "less privileged than" their wealthier counterparts in terms of educational opportunities".

What's a good alternative to "less privileged than"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "more disadvantaged than", "less fortunate than", or "worse off than" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it appropriate to use "less privileged than" in formal writing?

Yes, "less privileged than" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when discussing social or economic disparities. However, ensure the context is clear and the comparison is relevant.

What is the difference between "less privileged than" and "underprivileged"?

"Less privileged than" directly compares two groups, while "underprivileged" describes a group lacking certain advantages. You might say, "Those "less privileged than" others often face systemic barriers," or, "The underprivileged often face systemic barriers".