less reliable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "less reliable" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you are making a comparison between two objects, people, or situations to indicate that one is not as trustworthy as the other. For example: "John's new car is less reliable than his old one."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Less reliable.

The New York Times - Sports

Shearwaters are less reliable.

The Guardian

After that, they become less reliable.

The Economist

Less reliable were the entrees.

The New York Times

Cooked dishes were less reliable.

The New York Times - Food

On political decisions he is less reliable.

The Guardian - Books

The carbs get less reliable after that.

The New York Times - Food

Their tax collection systems are weaker and less reliable.

The New York Times

Quinn's core Latino support is less reliable to show-up.

The Guardian - Opinion

Her judgment was less reliable in domestic affairs.

The Guardian - Books

Water from the trucks is also less reliable.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing two or more entities, clearly specify what "less reliable" refers to, providing context for the comparison. For example, instead of saying "This data is less reliable", specify, "This data is less reliable than the previous dataset due to a smaller sample size."

Common error

Avoid using "less reliable" without providing supporting evidence or justification. Saying something is "less reliable" requires a basis for comparison or a reason why it's considered untrustworthy. Unsupported claims can weaken your argument and credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less reliable" functions as a comparative adjective phrase. It modifies a noun, indicating that the noun possesses a lower degree of reliability compared to something else. As shown by Ludwig, this construction is widely used to express concerns about trustworthiness or dependability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

45%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "less reliable" serves as a comparative adjective phrase used to express a reduced level of dependability or trustworthiness. According to Ludwig, its grammatical function involves modifying a noun to indicate a lower degree of reliability relative to something else. The phrase is considered grammatically correct and enjoys widespread use across diverse contexts, including news, science, and business, making it a versatile expression. While appropriate for both formal and informal settings, it is essential to provide context and evidence when asserting that something is "less reliable". Alternatives like "not as dependable" or "somewhat untrustworthy" offer similar nuances. Ludwig AI indicates that it is a usable and correct phrase, which the analysis confirms.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not as dependable

Emphasizes a reduced capacity to be consistently depended upon.

somewhat untrustworthy

Highlights a degree of doubt in the honesty or integrity.

not very consistent

Focuses on the lack of uniformity or regularity in performance.

unpredictable to some extent

Stresses the inability to foresee outcomes or behaviors with certainty.

not entirely stable

Implies a lack of firmness or resistance to change or failure.

decreasingly certain

Highlights that certitude is diminishing.

of questionable validity

Raises doubts about the accuracy or factual basis.

less secure

Focuses on compromised or reduced security.

prone to failure

Suggests a tendency or likelihood of not succeeding.

unlikely to hold

Indicates that the subject will not endure or remain valid

FAQs

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

You can use "less reliable" to compare the dependability of two or more things. For example: "This source of information is "less reliable" than the primary source."

What are some alternatives to saying "less reliable"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "less dependable", "somewhat untrustworthy", or "not very consistent".

Is it better to say "less reliable" or "unreliable"?

"Less reliable" indicates a comparative lack of dependability, while "unreliable" suggests a complete lack of dependability. The best choice depends on the degree of certainty and the context. If something is not completely without merit, ""less reliable"" might be more accurate.

What makes a source "less reliable"?

A source might be "less reliable" due to factors like bias, outdated information, lack of peer review, or a small sample size. Always assess the credibility and methodology of a source before considering it reliable.