less profound

USAGE SUMMARY

"less profound" is correct and usable in written English.
It is generally used to indicate that something is not as deeply meaningful or significant as something else. For example, "Her most recent book was less profound than her previous work."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's as sparkling and smart as a Vanity Fair exposé — and no more (or less) profound.

Los Angeles Times

Less grumpy, less profound.

Stanford University

These effects were qualitatively similar to aspirin, but less profound.

Thrombosis Research

Is she less profound as a consequence of her serenity?

The New Yorker

The other titles are more entertaining, though no less profound.

The Guardian - Books

But his influence on his colleagues was no less profound, she said.

Harvard University

Or, as Tobin Levy, another Bushwick Avenue friend, suggests, the motivation may be less profound.

The New York Times

A capable novice builder, Lieutenant Crisci left a less profound yet lasting legacy at his firehouse.

The New York Times

Yet his respect for these men is no less profound than his anger.

The New York Times - Books

It's an awakening made no less profound for being thoroughly conventional.

The New York Times - Books

This effect can primarily be attributed to the efficiency channel and with a less profound influence from the activity channel.

Energy Economics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "less profound" to accurately describe a contrast in depth or significance between two subjects, ensuring clarity in your comparison.

Common error

Avoid using "less profound" when you mean something is entirely without depth; instead, use it to compare relative levels of depth. For example, don't say "The idea is less profound" if it's completely shallow; say "The idea is superficial."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less profound" functions primarily as a comparative adjective phrase. It modifies a noun or pronoun, indicating that something possesses a reduced degree of depth, significance, or insight compared to something else. Ludwig AI confirms this with numerous examples illustrating this comparative function.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "less profound" is a common and grammatically sound way to express that something is not as deep, significant, or insightful as something else. As Ludwig AI shows, it appears frequently in various contexts, including news, science, and formal writing. When using "less profound", ensure you're making a clear comparison and avoid using it when something is entirely without depth; in such cases, words like "superficial" might be more appropriate. By understanding its proper use and context, you can effectively convey nuanced judgments about depth and significance in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not as deep

Emphasizes a lack of emotional or intellectual depth compared to something else.

less significant

Focuses on the reduced importance or consequence of something.

less meaningful

Highlights the diminished value or purpose of something.

not as impactful

Stresses the reduced effect or influence of something.

less substantial

Indicates a lack of strong basis or support compared to something else.

less serious

Implies reduced gravity or consequence.

more superficial

Suggests a focus on the surface rather than deeper meaning.

not as intense

Conveys a weaker emotional or intellectual force.

lighter in tone

Indicates a less serious or weighty approach.

simpler in scope

Implies reduced complexity or range.

FAQs

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

You can use "less profound" to compare the depth or significance of two different things. For instance, "His later works were "less profound" than his early masterpieces."

What's a good alternative to "less profound"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "less significant", "less meaningful", or "more superficial" to convey a similar idea.

Is it correct to say "not as profound" instead of "less profound"?

Yes, "not as profound" is a grammatically correct and semantically similar alternative to "less profound". Both phrases indicate a reduced level of depth or significance.

What's the difference between "less profound" and "more superficial"?

"Less profound" implies a reduction in depth compared to something else, while "more superficial" suggests a focus on the surface without deeper meaning. They are similar but emphasize different aspects of a lack of depth.