less relevant

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "less relevant" is grammatically correct and commonly used in written English.
It describes something that is not as important or significant as other things being discussed. Example: While the historical context of the novel is interesting, it is ultimately less relevant to understanding the themes and messages within the story.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

But less relevant?

The New York Times

They become less relevant".

The New York Times

"Magazines are less relevant," Ms. Dart said.

The New York Times

The lesson is no less relevant today.

The New York Times

Yet the distinctions are growing less relevant.

The New York Times - Tech

The UK is just less relevant.

The Guardian

That point is no less relevant now.

The New York Times

The picture desk function has become increasingly less relevant.

The Guardian

It's less and less relevant as it keeps getting diminished".

The New York Times

Given Netflix's distribution strategy, however, this figure seems less relevant.

The Guardian - Film

He said it made the "character issue considerably less relevant".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using synonyms like "not as important" or "less significant" to avoid repetition in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "less relevant" without specifying a point of comparison. Saying something is "less relevant" implies there's something else that is relevant, and you should clarify what that is to maintain clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less relevant" functions as an adjectival modifier, indicating a diminished degree of importance or applicability. It modifies a noun, signifying that the noun's significance has decreased in relation to something else. This aligns with Ludwig's AI analysis, confirming its proper usage in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "less relevant" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to describe something of diminished importance or applicability. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is an adjectival modifier primarily used to downplay the significance of a subject in relation to a specific context. Usage is considered neutral and appears most frequently in news, scientific, and formal business settings. When using "less relevant", it is best practice to clearly specify the context to which something is "less relevant", avoiding ambiguity. Alternatives such as "not as important" or "less significant" can enhance writing by providing variety. Due to its frequency and clarity, "less relevant" is a valuable tool for conveying nuanced comparisons in various forms of communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not as important

Focuses on diminished importance, simplifying the concept.

less significant

Emphasizes the reduced impact or consequence of something.

not applicable

Highlights the lack of relevance or suitability in a specific situation.

of little importance

Directly states the low level of importance.

outdated

Indicates that something is no longer current or useful due to its age.

inconsequential

Stresses the lack of significance or importance.

of minor concern

Highlights that something is only slightly important.

peripheral

Suggests something is on the edge or not central to the main issue.

immaterial

Emphasizes the lack of consequence or relevance.

beside the point

Indicates that something is not relevant to the current discussion or argument.

FAQs

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

You can use "less relevant" to indicate that something has diminished importance or applicability compared to something else. For example: "The historical context is interesting, but "less relevant" to understanding the core themes."

What are some alternatives to "less relevant"?

Alternatives include "not as important", "less significant", "outdated", or "inconsequential", depending on the specific context you're trying to convey.

Is it better to say "less relevant" or "irrelevant"?

"Less relevant" implies a degree of connection or importance, while "irrelevant" means there is no connection at all. Choose the term that accurately reflects the relationship between the subject and the context.

When should I use "less relevant" instead of "not relevant"?

Use "less relevant" when something still has some bearing on the situation but is not as important or directly related as other factors. Use "not relevant" when something has no connection or bearing at all.