less proficient

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "less proficient" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who has a lower level of skill or ability in a particular area compared to others. Example: "While she is less proficient in mathematics than her peers, she excels in creative writing."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Lamija, his deputy, is less proficient.

The Guardian - Film

Findings showed that ability grouping benefited less proficient learners.

English for Specific Purposes

Evidence supports that girls are less proficient than boys at performing ball skills.

Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport

In terms of games, US players were superb athletes but less proficient technically.

The Guardian - Sport

Agostino's painterly style was drier and less proficient than that of his brother.

Encyclopedia Britannica

They are no less talented than West Ham but are less proficient at the mechanics of securing a result.

The Guardian - Sport

It is important to accurately measure FMS competency in adolescent populations, particularly in girls, who are less proficient than boys.

Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport

Studies show that men tend to be less proficient than women at discerning fake from genuine laughter.

The New York Times

Three types of bilinguals are compared: Early L2 learners, Late highly proficient L2 learners, and Late less proficient L2 learners.

Journal of Memory and Language

Native speakers may need coaching on how to bring along less proficient colleagues who are working at a disadvantage.

Harvard Business Review

The test showed that American students are less proficient in history than in any other subject over all.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing skills, provide context. Specify the skill and the basis for comparison. For example: "She is "less proficient" in coding compared to her colleagues."

Common error

Avoid using "less proficient" without clear reference. Ensure readers understand what the subject is "less proficient" in and compared to whom. A sentence like, "He is "less proficient"", lacks necessary context and creates confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less proficient" functions as a comparative adjective phrase. It modifies a noun by indicating a lower degree of skill or competence. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and common usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

42%

News & Media

37%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "less proficient" is a versatile and commonly used adjective phrase that indicates a lower level of skill or ability compared to others. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and frequently used across a range of contexts. Analysis of various sources reveals that it's most prevalent in scientific and news media, carrying a neutral to formal tone. When using "less proficient", ensure clear context to avoid ambiguity. Consider alternatives like "not as skilled" depending on the desired level of formality. Its high frequency and consistent application make it a reliable choice for expressing comparative skill levels.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not as skilled

Directly replaces "less proficient" with a simpler and more common expression.

lower skilled

Emphasizes the skill aspect but is less formal than "less proficient".

not as adept

Replaces "proficient" with "adept", maintaining a similar level of formality.

lacking proficiency

Uses a more explicit construction to indicate a lack of skill.

relatively unskilled

Highlights a comparison of skill levels.

not as competent

Substitutes "proficient" with "competent", focusing on the ability to perform effectively.

somewhat inadequate

Indicates a certain level of insufficiency in skill or ability.

less experienced

Focuses on a lack of experience as a reason for lower proficiency.

not fully trained

Highlights the absence of complete training impacting proficiency.

weaker in skill

Directly addresses the skill aspect with a comparative adjective.

FAQs

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

Use "less proficient" to indicate a lower level of skill or ability compared to others. For example: "The students with parents who are "less proficient" in English will feel frustrated".

What are some alternatives to saying "less proficient"?

You can use alternatives like "not as skilled", "lower skilled", or "lacking proficiency" to express a similar meaning.

Is it better to say "less proficient" or "not as skilled"?

Both "less proficient" and "not as skilled" are correct, but "less proficient" may sound more formal. Choose the phrase that best fits the context and your desired tone.

What's the difference between "less proficient" and "inexperienced"?

"Less proficient" refers to a lower level of skill, while "inexperienced" refers to a lack of experience. Someone can be experienced but still "less proficient" compared to others with similar experience.