less prudent than

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "less prudent than" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to compare the level of prudence between two subjects, indicating that one is not as careful or wise as the other. Example: "Investing in that startup seems less prudent than sticking with established companies."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

Their public finances are much less prudent than conventional measures suggest.

The Economist

The management of RBS had been far less prudent than that of Hall & Woodhouse, borrowing heavily over the preceding years to expand its business at breakneck speed.

The Economist

Moreover, Frederick William's management of the Prussian economy was less prudent than his predecessor's and finally brought the state's finances into disorder.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In today's economy, inflation outpaces the interest rates that banks pay to encourage saving money — this makes penny pinching less prudent than many might think.

TechCrunch

Jia (2009) analyzed the relationship between bank ownership and performance with regression models, concluding that lending by state-owned banks has been less prudent than lending by joint-equity banks.

Journal of Economic Structures

That is to say, the circumstances in which he decided on his levels of effort his particular skills not being much in demand may have ensured that those decisions were less prudent than they would have been in different contexts.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Secondly, a critical yet unintended consequence of advance cash collection is that companies may be tempted to spend more money in a less prudent manner than they would otherwise, simply because they can.

TechCrunch

Less prudent were Bear Stearns, Lehman Brothers, Merrill Lynch and American International Group.

The New York Times - Books

Voters in stronger countries would balk at assuming the obligations of less prudent members.

The New York Times

"I wanted something that would take less time and be more prudent than just trying to pick hot stocks.

Forbes

Its "sleep coaching" program encourages you to identify and put the kibosh on "sleep stealers" — too much caffeine or stress, say, or a less-than-prudent bedtime.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing two entities using "less prudent than", ensure the basis for comparison is clear. Provide specific examples or context to illustrate why one is considered less prudent.

Common error

Avoid using "less prudent than" when simply describing different approaches. Prudence implies a degree of risk assessment; ensure the comparison involves actual risks or potential negative outcomes, instead of using "less conventional than".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less prudent than" functions as a comparative adjective phrase, indicating a lower degree of caution or wisdom in one subject compared to another. Ludwig AI confirms this with real-world examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

29%

Encyclopedias

14%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "less prudent than" is a grammatically correct and usable comparative phrase that indicates a lower level of caution or wisdom. Ludwig AI's analysis reveals that it is most frequently found in news and media, science, and encyclopedias, signifying its use in evaluating risk and consequences across various contexts. While alternative phrases like "not as cautious as" or "more reckless than" can be used, it's crucial to consider the specific nuances of prudence and ensure the comparison is based on a clear assessment of risk. Remember to provide context to highlight why one is deemed less prudent.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not as circumspect as

Replaces "prudent" with "circumspect", a more formal synonym indicating careful consideration of circumstances.

not as cautious as

Uses a more common and straightforward way to express a lower level of caution.

not as wise as

Focuses on wisdom and judgment rather than just caution.

not as judicious as

Emphasizes a lack of good judgment in decision-making.

more reckless than

Replaces "prudent" with its antonym "reckless", creating a direct opposite comparison.

not as responsible as

Focuses on a lack of responsibility and potential negative consequences.

more careless than

Emphasizes a lack of attention and care, suggesting a higher risk.

more impetuous than

Highlights acting on impulse rather than careful consideration.

more bold than

Suggests a willingness to take risks, contrasting with prudence.

more daring than

Implies a willingness to take chances, often with a sense of excitement or adventure.

FAQs

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

You can use "less prudent than" to compare two actions or decisions, indicating that one is riskier or shows poorer judgment. For example: "Investing in volatile stocks is often "less prudent than" investing in bonds."

What are some alternatives to saying "less prudent than"?

Alternatives include phrases like "not as cautious as", "more reckless than", or "not as wise as depending on the specific context.

What does it mean to be "less prudent than" someone else?

To be "less prudent than" someone else means that you are taking more risks, showing less foresight, or generally being less careful in your actions or decisions compared to that person.

Is there a difference between being "less prudent than" and being ""less conventional than""?

Yes, being "less prudent than" implies a higher degree of risk or potential negative consequences, while being ""less conventional than"" simply means deviating from established norms or practices without necessarily implying increased risk.