less proficiency

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "less proficiency" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a lower level of skill or competence in a particular area compared to others. Example: "The students showed less proficiency in mathematics than in their reading skills."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

The equivalency exam probably requires less proficiency than a diploma, even after it was toughened this year.

The New York Times

The street, with its civil and political forces, is able to guide the process of transition to democracy with no less proficiency than the other peoples in the region who have already got rid of their regimes.

The Guardian - Opinion

Immigrants may face many disadvantages, such as the lack of financial resources; lack of information about the local market and regulations; and less proficiency in the local language.

IZA Journal of Migration

In summary, as discussed before, immigrants may face disadvantages, such as lack of investment funds, information about the local market and its regulation, and less proficiency in the local language.

IZA Journal of Migration

We also limited our sample to those HSWs that could participate in an English interview, it may be that those with less proficiency in English would have a different, more marginalized experience.

BMC Geriatrics

Without this rest, you may become fatigued, working more slowly or with less proficiency.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

Chenoweth and Hayes (2001) reported that L2 learners with higher proficiency produced more fluent language than less proficient learners; thus, pre-task planning might induce L2 learners to compensate for lack of L2 proficiency in the case of fluency.

Asian-Pacific Journal of Second and Foreign Language Education

We chose to focus on IS proficiency because users with greater IS proficiency tend to use those systems more effectively and efficiently than users who are less proficient [ 39, 40].

BMC Medical Informatics and Decision Making

Our finding that order of acquisition is less relevant than proficiency in determining the amount of right hemisphere and posterior activity during early encoding and especially late semantic processing stages is important because it shows that models such as Kroll and colleagues' RHM [12] must include mechanisms to account for changes in language dominance.

Plosone

Only 20percentt of low-income eighth-graders were proficient in math -- less than half the proficiency rate of more advantaged students.

Huffington Post

This review was reprinted in the Literary News: "Mr. Edwards remarkable for attainments in science no less than for versatile proficiency in the art of acting presents a rare type of the union of talents greatly divergent and seldom found in one and the same person".

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "less proficiency", clearly specify the area where the proficiency is lacking to avoid ambiguity. For example, "less proficiency in data analysis".

Common error

Remember to use "less" with uncountable nouns (like proficiency) and "fewer" with countable nouns. It's incorrect to say "fewer proficiency".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less proficiency" functions as a noun phrase, where "less" modifies the noun "proficiency". It typically acts as a subject complement or object within a sentence, indicating a reduced level of skill or competence. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

43%

News & Media

43%

Wiki

14%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "less proficiency" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase that indicates a lower level of skill or competence. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is suitable for describing deficiencies in various contexts, particularly in science, news media, and wiki environments. When using this phrase, it's essential to specify the area of deficiency and avoid confusion with similar terms. While "less proficiency" is not exceedingly common, it is a valuable tool for making objective assessments of skill levels across different fields.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lower capability

Directly states a reduced capacity or power.

reduced skill

Focuses on the decrease in skill level.

decreased aptitude

Focuses on how aptitude has diminished.

diminished competence

Highlights a reduction in the ability to perform effectively.

restricted fluency

Highlights the limited ability to express oneself smoothly and easily.

limited expertise

Emphasizes the scarcity of specialized knowledge.

inadequate mastery

Stresses the insufficient level of control or understanding.

weaker aptitude

Indicates a lower natural ability or inclination.

impaired ability

Refers to a reduced or damaged capacity to perform.

deficient capability

Highlights the lack of necessary capacity or power.

FAQs

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

You can use "less proficiency" to describe a lack of skill or competence in a specific area. For example, "The new employees demonstrated "less proficiency" in using the new software than their more experienced colleagues."

What are some alternatives to "less proficiency"?

Some alternatives to "less proficiency" include "reduced skill", "diminished competence", or "limited expertise" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "less proficiency"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct to say "less proficiency". "Proficiency" is an uncountable noun, so "less" is the appropriate quantifier.

What is the difference between "less proficiency" and "lower proficiency"?

While both phrases are similar, "less proficiency" generally indicates a smaller amount of proficiency, whereas "lower proficiency" might imply a position on a scale or ranking. Both are acceptable and often interchangeable.