less prosperous

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "less prosperous" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation, area, or group that has lower economic success or wealth compared to others. Example: "The less prosperous regions of the country often struggle to attract investment and create job opportunities."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The 1890s were less prosperous.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Less prosperous states have benefited from the reverse situation.

The New York Times

The further you drive, the less prosperous the villages seem.

Independent

Why are African-Americans so much less prosperous than whites?

The Economist

Otherwise, a less prosperous and less secure world awaits.

The Washington Post

In less prosperous areas, sorry infrastructure is even more dispiriting.

The New York Times

And he cannot win nationally unless he attracts more support from less prosperous people.

The Economist

We talk of ourselves without shame as being one of the less prosperous countries of Europe.

The Economist

Many schools in less prosperous areas face what the state commissioner of education calls "educational insolvency".

The New York Times

Villages high in the Apennines are less prosperous than those of similar elevation in the Alps.

Encyclopedia Britannica

If so, I much prefer the more humane but less prosperous future he says awaits us.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "less prosperous", consider the specific aspect of economic well-being you want to highlight. Alternatives like "less affluent" or "economically weaker" can offer more precision.

Common error

Be cautious of using "less prosperous" in overly simplistic comparisons. Providing context or specific data points strengthens your argument and avoids generalizations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less prosperous" functions primarily as a descriptive adjective phrase, modifying nouns to indicate a state of reduced economic well-being. This is supported by Ludwig AI, which identifies it as correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Encyclopedias

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "less prosperous" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe a state of reduced economic well-being. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. As highlighted by examples in Ludwig, it's frequently used in news, encyclopedias, and scientific contexts to discuss economic disparities across regions, communities, or even time periods. While alternatives like "less affluent" or "economically weaker" can provide more specific nuances, "less prosperous" remains a versatile and widely understood term for indicating a decline or lack of economic success.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

less affluent

Focuses more directly on wealth and material possessions.

less wealthy

Emphasizes a lower level of accumulated riches.

poorer

A more direct and simpler term indicating a lack of wealth.

economically weaker

Highlights the economic instability or vulnerability.

financially challenged

Suggests difficulties in managing finances.

in economic decline

Indicates a downward trend in economic status.

struggling economically

Emphasizes the active effort to overcome financial difficulties.

underdeveloped

Describes a lack of infrastructure and economic advancement.

less thriving

Focuses on a reduction in overall growth and success.

less buoyant

Implies a lack of economic optimism and activity.

FAQs

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

You can use "less prosperous" to describe regions, communities, or even time periods that experience economic hardship. For example: "The economic policies aimed to uplift the "less prosperous" regions of the country."

What are some alternatives to "less prosperous"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "less affluent", "economically weaker", or simply "poorer".

Which is correct, "less prosperous" or "least prosperous"?

"Less prosperous" is used for comparing two entities or situations, while "least prosperous" is used when comparing three or more.

What's the difference between "less prosperous" and "less thriving"?

"Less prosperous" specifically refers to economic well-being, while "less thriving" implies a broader decline in overall success and vitality.